How to Make the Best Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

How to Make the Best Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 3 hrs 35 min | Total: 4 hrs 25 min

Cost: $35.28 total, $5.88 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (Trim excess fat, cut into 1.5‑inch chunks, pat dry)
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (For initial browning)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (Added before cooking onions)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 large cap Portobello Mushroom (Leave gills in, slice into ½‑inch pieces)
  • 0.5 pound Kale (Stems removed, leaves sliced ½‑inch)
  • 4 Parsnips (Halved lengthwise then cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 4 Carrots (Cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 12 ounces Red Potatoes (Cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 2 Onion (Medium, diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (Leaves stripped from stems)
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (For thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1.5 cups Red Wine (Use a blend for balanced flavor)
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 0.5 cup Frozen Peas (No need to thaw)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped, added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Cut Beef

    Trim excess hard fat from the chuck roast, cut into 1.5‑inch chunks, and pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Brown Beef in Batches

    Heat 1 tsp vegetable oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat until just smoking. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown half the meat, stirring occasionally, for about 5‑7 minutes per batch until all sides are deep brown. Remove browned pieces and set aside.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Sweat Mushrooms

    Add the sliced portobello mushroom to the pot with the remaining fat, cover, and cook over medium heat for 5‑10 minutes until they release their moisture.

    Time: PT8M

  4. Brown Mushrooms

    Remove the lid and continue cooking the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms turn golden, about 5‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  5. Cook Onions

    Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then the diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden around the edges, about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

  6. Add Garlic and Thyme

    Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT0.5M

  7. Incorporate Flour and Tomato Paste

    Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stir to coat, then add the tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flour to toast lightly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Deglaze with Red Wine

    Slowly pour in 1½ cups red wine while whisking, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine reduce for about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Add Broths and Bay Leaves

    Stir in 2 cups beef broth, 2 cups chicken broth, and the bay leaves. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

  10. First Oven Braise

    Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in a pre‑heated 300°F oven. Braise for 1 hour 30 minutes.

    Time: PT1H30M

    Temperature: 300°F

  11. Add Root Vegetables

    Remove the pot, stir in the parsnips, carrots, and red potatoes. Return the lid and continue braising in the 300°F oven for another 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 300°F

  12. Add Kale

    Remove the lid, stir in the sliced kale, ensuring it is submerged. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 300°F

  13. Finish with Peas and Parsley

    Stir in ½ cup frozen peas and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes in the hot oven so peas thaw and parsley brightens.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 300°F

  14. Serve

    Remove the pot from the oven, discard bay leaves, and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Contains Meat, Contains Gluten

Allergens: Wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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How to Make the Best Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A hearty, oven-braised beef stew packed with tender chuck, mushrooms, kale, root vegetables, and a rich red‑wine broth. Inspired by Julia Child, this comforting dish is perfect for cool evenings.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3h 10m
Prep
39m
Cook
27m
Cleanup
4h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$35.28
Total cost
$5.88
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Trim and pat dry beef before browning
  • Brown beef in two batches to develop fond
  • First 1.5‑hour oven braise at 300°F
  • Add root vegetables and braise another hour

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot Dutch oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safety.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when chopping vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Julia‑Style Beef Stew in American cuisine?

A

Julia‑Style Beef Stew draws inspiration from Julia Child’s classic French‑American cooking, blending French braising techniques with hearty American ingredients like beef chuck and root vegetables. It reflects the mid‑20th‑century comfort food tradition that emphasized slow cooking and deep flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef stew in American cuisine?

A

In the United States, beef stew varies by region: New England favors potatoes and carrots, the Midwest adds corn and beans, while the South often incorporates tomatoes and okra. This Julia‑Style version emphasizes kale and portobello mushrooms for added umami.

cultural
Q

How is Julia‑Style Beef Stew traditionally served in American households?

A

Traditionally, the stew is served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by crusty artisan bread or biscuits to sop up the rich broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Julia‑Style Beef Stew traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Hearty beef stews like this are popular for family gatherings, cold‑weather holidays such as Thanksgiving leftovers, and casual weekend meals. Their one‑pot nature makes them ideal for potlucks and communal dining.

cultural
Q

What makes Julia‑Style Beef Stew special or unique in American stew cuisine?

A

The stew stands out because it incorporates portobello mushrooms for umami, kale for a touch of bitterness, and a red‑wine‑based broth that adds depth. The low‑and‑slow oven braise at 300°F ensures melt‑in‑your‑mouth beef without scorching.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Julia‑Style Beef Stew?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pot when browning the beef, which prevents proper fond formation, and adding all vegetables at the start, which can make them mushy. Also, skipping the wine reduction can result in a thin, flavor‑less broth.

technical
Q

Why does this Julia‑Style Beef Stew recipe use both beef and chicken broth instead of just one type?

A

Using both broths balances richness (beef broth) with a lighter, slightly sweeter note (chicken broth), creating a more nuanced flavor profile that supports the wine and tomato paste without becoming overly heavy.

technical
Q

Can I make Julia‑Style Beef Stew ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the stew can be prepared up to the final step, then cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a low oven, adding a splash of broth if needed. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Julia‑Style Beef Stew?

A

The broth should be glossy and slightly thickened, coating the vegetables. Beef chunks should be fork‑tender but still hold their shape, and the kale should be wilted yet retain a bright green hue. The mushrooms add a deep brown color to the sauce.

technical
Q

How do I know when Julia‑Style Beef Stew is done cooking?

A

The stew is done when the beef is easily pierced with a fork, the root vegetables are tender but not falling apart, and the sauce has reduced to a velvety consistency that clings to the spoon.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based recipes and cooking techniques, offering detailed explanations, equipment reviews, and step‑by‑step video tutorials for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, controlled experiments, and reproducible results, often testing multiple variations before publishing a final recipe. This method contrasts with many channels that rely on intuition or personal preference.

channel
Q

What other American comfort‑food recipes is the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen known for?

A

America's Test Kitchen is known for classic dishes such as Chicken Pot Pie, Mac & Cheese, Beef Chili, and their definitive version of Classic Meatloaf, all presented with thorough testing and clear instructions.

channel

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