Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty beef stew slow-braised in whiskey with tender root vegetables and aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add the beef cubes in batches, searing each for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 sliced carrots, 2 sliced parsnips, and 2 sliced celery stalks; sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup whiskey carefully, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced and the alcohol aroma mellows.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then return the seared beef to the pot.
  6. Step 6: Add 4 cups beef broth, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves; bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  7. Step 7: Let stew braise gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  8. Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

American beef 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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