Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty British beef stew simmered slowly with carrots, parsnips, and onions in a rich broth for a warming meal. This british-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 5, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 medium parsnips
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 lbs cubed beef chuck in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, coating each piece evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch, then remove to a plate.
- Step 3: Dice 1 large yellow onion, slice 3 medium carrots and 2 medium parsnips into 1-inch pieces. Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Return the beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef broth.
- Step 5: Add 3 fresh thyme sprigs and 1 bay leaf, bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 chuck, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Stovetop British Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
British beef 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.
