Williams' Hearty Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A slow-cooked stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth, inspired by a beloved American surname. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 115 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium, sliced carrots, medium, 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck
• 3 medium, sliced carrots
• 2 medium, cubed potatoes
• 1 large, diced onion
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef chuck dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, transferring to a plate.
2. Step 2: Add 1 diced large onion and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and golden at the edges.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp flour, cooking for 1 minute until golden, then slowly whisk in 4 cups beef broth to prevent lumps.
4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot, add 1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
5. Step 5: Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, adding 3 sliced medium carrots and 2 cubed medium potatoes during the last 45 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and beef is falling apart.