Vans Authentic Comforting Stew

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

Hearty beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and thyme, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal that's as enduring as classic sneakers. This comfort food-inspired soups ready in about 120 minutes pairs cubed beef chuck, peeled and diced carrots, peeled and cubed potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 90 min Serves 6 Comfort Food cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck and brown on all sides, 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Sauté 1 large chopped onion until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Stir in 1.5 lbs carrots, 2 lbs potatoes, 1.5 tsp salt, 0.75 tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp thyme. Cook 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to the pot. Pour in 1 cup red wine and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 1.5 hours until beef is tender. Adjust seasoning before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vans Authentic Comforting Stew take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Vans Authentic Comforting 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 cubed beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vans Authentic Comforting 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 Vans Authentic Comforting 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 Vans Authentic Comforting 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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