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

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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.

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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