Comforting Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes – A Hearty, Flavorful Meal

Looking for a warm, comforting meal that satisfies both your stomach and your taste buds? This Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this meal is hearty and filling. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Sear the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and sear until browned on all sides. This step adds depth and flavor to the stew.
2. Remove the Beef: Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Prepare the Stew

1. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
2. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
3. Thicken the Stew: To thicken the broth, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the broth thickens. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: While the stew simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Assemble the Dish: Spoon a generous serving of beef stew into bowls. Top with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.
3. Enjoy: Serve this hearty and comforting meal with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew:

• Beef Selection: Use a good-quality cut of beef stew meat that is well-marbled for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or green beans to customize the stew to your liking.
• Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comfort Food Perfection: This Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, flavorful, and filling, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using simple ingredients like beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas, you can create a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Conclusion:

This Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is everything you want in a comfort meal. The tender beef, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes come together in perfect harmony, making this dish ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this hearty dish!