Surname Surname Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

A hearty, slow-simmered stew inspired by the most common American last names, featuring tender beef and vegetables in a rich broth. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium carrots, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 lbs beef chuck
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 large onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 medium potatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply seared, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion, 2 stalks diced celery, and 3 medium diced carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, then add 3 medium diced potatoes. Continue simmering uncovered for 30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and sauce has thickened slightly.