Vintage Housewares Beef Stew

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

A classic slow-cooked stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 445 minutes pairs stew beef, all-purpose flour, olive oil 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 2 lbs stew beef cubes dry with paper towels, then season with the 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned; work in batches if needed. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add the 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker along with the 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and any accumulated juices from the skillet. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vintage Housewares Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 445 minutes (25 min prep + 420 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 Vintage Housewares 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 stew beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vintage Housewares 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 Vintage Housewares 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 Vintage Housewares Beef Stew?

American 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.

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