Workwear Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 3.6 (12 ratings) 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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.