Sturdy Hearty Beef Stew
A deeply flavorful, slow-simmered stew with tender beef and root vegetables, perfect for chilly days when you need comfort that lasts. This comfort food-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast
- 3 medium carrots
- 3 large potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply golden, transferring to a plate.
- Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
- Step 3: Return beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 3 medium chopped carrots, and 3 large diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 4: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sturdy Hearty Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 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 Sturdy Hearty Beef 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 chuck roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sturdy Hearty Beef 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 Sturdy Hearty Beef 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 Sturdy Hearty Beef Stew?
Comfort Food slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 150-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
