Stellar Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, comforting stew inspired by the resilience of astronauts, combining earthy flavors with a touch of sweetness. This comfort food-inspired soups ready in about 90 minutes pairs beef broth, medium, diced carrots, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Comfort Food cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat vegetables in the pot.
  3. Step 3: Pour in beef broth and red wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Cook for 10 minutes until the stew thickens and the tomatoes break down.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stellar Stew take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stellar Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stellar Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stellar Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stellar Stew?

Comfort Food soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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