Workwear Beef Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-06 · Updated 2026-04-06

A slow-cooked, hearty stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich gravy, designed to be filling and comforting for a long day. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 430 minutes pairs stew beef, all-purpose flour, salt 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: 410 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs stew beef
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion
1 cup carrots
1 cup celery
3 cloves garlic
1 cup beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cups potatoes
1/4 cup frozen peas

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs stew beef dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Coat the beef cubes evenly in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef and cook in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Add 1 cup diced onion to the Dutch oven and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Add 1 bay leaf and 1 tsp dried thyme.
Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, add 2 cups diced potatoes and cook on low for the remaining time. Stir in 1/4 cup frozen peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Workwear Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 430 minutes (20 min prep + 410 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 Workwear 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 Workwear 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 Workwear 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 Workwear 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.