Timeless Classic Beef Stew

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

A slow-simmered masterpiece of tender beef and root vegetables, embodying the enduring comfort of a perfectly executed dish. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 125 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef chuck cubes dry, then toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add beef in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot, then add 3 cups beef broth, 3 sliced carrots, 2 diced potatoes, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Timeless Classic Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 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 Timeless Classic 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Timeless Classic 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 Timeless Classic 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 Timeless Classic Beef Stew?

American one pot 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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