Stephanie 
When you need a warm, hearty meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, this beef stew is the answer. It’s cozy, flavorful, and made in just one pot — perfect for busy weeknights.
I made this with about 4 pounds of beef shanks (3 pieces), and it easily fed my family of 10 with enough leftovers for 1–2 lunches the next day. That’s a win in my book!
*This post contains affiliate links which I may receive a small compensation when you shop which helps this Mama out! Thanks for stopping by….
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ One-pot meal (less cleanup!)
- ✔️ Budget-friendly
- ✔️ Great for large families
- ✔️ Perfect for leftovers
- ✔️ Works in the Instant Pot or slow cooker – love this instapot
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef shank or chuck roast (I used 3 beef shanks, about 4 lbs)
- 3–4 carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can diced or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup rice wine or red wine
- ½ cup soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function.
Add diced carrots, onions, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until vegetables begin to soften.
Season the Beef
While the vegetables cook, season the beef shanks (or chuck roast) generously with the same seasonings.
Build the Flavor
Add the seasoned beef to the pot.
Pour in:
- 1 can diced or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup rice wine or red wine
- ½ cup soy sauce
Give everything a good stir.
Cooking Options
Slow Cooker Method
- Cook on Low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and falling apart.
Pressure Cooker Method
- Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes
- Allow natural release
- Then switch to Slow Cook for 1–2 additional hours until beef is tender and falling apart for extra tenderness and flavor development.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Egg noodles
- Pasta
- Or with warm crusty bread
Budget Tip
Beef shanks and chuck roast are typically more affordable cuts and become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. This recipe stretches perfectly for large families or for batch cooking and reheats even better the next day.
Video
Check out how easy it is to make in this short video….
If you try this stew, let me know how it turned out! Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — just hearty, simple, and made with love. Enjoy!
