Classic Oven-Braised Beef Stew

• 2 ½ lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  Swaps for kosher salt

  Instead of salt

  • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
  • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

  More for salt

• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  Swaps for all-purpose flour

  Instead of all-purpose flour

  • Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: The same amount, a blend that includes xanthan gum. A little grittier and more crumbly, browns faster and dries out sooner.
  • Bread flour: The same amount. More gluten: chewier cookies and bread, tougher cakes.
  • Whole wheat flour: Up to half of the flour. Nuttier, darker and denser.

  All 4 swaps for all-purpose flour

  Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
  Swaps for vegetable oil

  Instead of vegetable oil

  • Another neutral oil: The same amount. No difference.
  • Melted butter: The same amount. Richer, buttery flavor; cakes are a little less moist and firmer once cool.
  • Light olive oil: The same amount. "Light" olive oil tastes mild.

  All 4 swaps for vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, chopped
  Swaps for onion

  Instead of onion

  • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
  • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
  • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

  All 4 swaps for onion

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Swaps for garlic

  Instead of garlic

  • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
  • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

  More for garlic

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
  Swaps for tomato paste

  Instead of tomato paste

  • Tomato sauce or passata: 3 tbsp for each 1 tbsp paste. Lighter, fresher tomato flavor.
  • Ketchup: The same amount. Sweeter and vinegary; fine for a tablespoon or two.

  More for tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine
  Swaps for dry red wine

  Instead of red wine

  • Beef or mushroom broth + red wine vinegar: The same amount of broth, plus 1 tbsp red wine vinegar per cup. Deep and savory; a little less fruity.
  • Unsweetened grape, pomegranate or cranberry juice + broth: Half juice and half broth. Fruity and slightly sweet; good color.
  • Non-alcoholic red wine: The same amount. Close in flavor; some are sweeter.

  More for red wine

  Cooking doesn't burn off all the alcohol: a dish simmered 15 minutes can keep close to half of it, and even after 2 hours some is left. Use an alcohol-free swap for anyone who avoids alcohol.

• 3 cups beef broth
  Swaps for beef broth

  Instead of broth

  • Vegetable broth: The same amount. Lighter and slightly sweeter.
  • Chicken broth: The same amount. Richer and more savory; not vegetarian.
  • Bouillon cube, powder or paste + water: Follow the label for the amount of liquid. Close in flavor; a little saltier.

  All 4 swaps for broth

• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  Swaps for worcestershire sauce

  Instead of Worcestershire sauce

  • Soy sauce + vinegar: 1 tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tsp vinegar + a pinch of sugar for each 1 tbsp. Savory and tangy, less complex.
  • Vegan Worcestershire: The same amount. Very close, with no anchovies.

  More for Worcestershire sauce

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  Swaps for dried thyme

  Instead of thyme

  • Fresh thyme: 1 tbsp chopped fresh for each 1 tsp dried (three times as much). Brighter and more lemony.
  • Italian seasoning or dried marjoram: The same amount. Close; Italian seasoning adds oregano and basil.

  More for thyme

• 1 ½ lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas ≈ 134 g
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  Swaps for fresh parsley

  Instead of parsley

  • Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
  • Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
  • Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.

  More for parsley

Weights from USDA FoodData Central cup weights. Counted things (eggs, cloves, cans) stay as counts, and salt stays in spoons: kosher and flaky salts weigh very differently by brand.

Cooking for a crowd? Pans, timing and salt for 12 to 50.

Missing something? Tap Swaps next to an ingredient, or see all substitutions.

Cook to 145°F inside (check with a thermometer).