Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chunks of beef cooked in a savory, hearty broth with vegetables, served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and makes for great leftovers too. Here’s a simple recipe for both the Beef Stew and Mashed Potatoes:
Beef Stew Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or brisket works well, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (or you can add them to mashed potatoes)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end for color and sweetness, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure it browns properly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown it on all sides. This takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- If you’re using tomato paste, add it now and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Simmer the Stew:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Thicken the Stew (optional):
- If you want the stew to be thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water (about 1/4 cup) to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Frozen peas can be added at the end, just before serving, to add some color and sweetness.
5. Final Taste Check:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Garlic, sour cream, chives, or cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks (about 1 1/2-inch pieces). Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute to steam off excess water.
- Use a potato masher, ricer, or fork to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
3. Add Butter and Milk:
- Add the butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring until the mashed potatoes reach your desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For extra flavor, you can mix in minced garlic, a dollop of sour cream, or even some shredded cheese if you like.
Serve:
- Serve the beef stew over the mashed potatoes. The rich gravy from the stew will soak into the potatoes, creating an irresistible bite!
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh, colorful touch.
Tips for a Perfect Meal:
- Make Ahead: Beef stew gets better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Thicker Stew: If you like a thicker stew, you can also mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
- Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for additional flavor.
- Side Ideas: Serve with some crusty bread on the side to soak up the stew, or add a simple green salad for balance.
This beef stew with mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, and everyone will love it! Would you prefer to make any changes or additions to the recipe—like extra spices or different veggies?
