Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients? This Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is exactly what you need! A warm, savory beef stew filled with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes, all covered in a luscious gravy, paired with velvety smooth mashed potatoes on top. This meal is the perfect remedy for a chilly evening or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic.
2. Add Potatoes and Carrots: Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Stew

1. Add Broth and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
3. Thicken the Stew: Mix the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken to your desired consistency.
4. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes: While the stew is simmering, place the diced potatoes into a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes 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 portion of the beef stew into each bowl. Top with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
2. Garnish: Garnish the mashed potatoes with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delicious and hearty dish with your favorite crusty bread for a complete meal!

Tips for the Best Beef Stew:

• Choose the Right Beef: For the most tender stew, use cuts of beef that are ideal for slow cooking, like chuck or round. These cuts break down nicely and become tender after simmering.
• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or green beans to the stew for additional flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: Beef stew often tastes better the next day, making it the perfect make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Customize the Mashed Potatoes: You can add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes for extra richness and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Classic Comfort Food: This hearty beef stew with creamy mashed potatoes is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for cold weather.
• Rich, Flavorful Stew: The combination of tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth is rich and satisfying, making every spoonful delicious.
• Easy to Make: Despite being so hearty and flavorful, this recipe is simple and quick to make, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a meal for special occasions.

Conclusion:

If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s both hearty and easy to make, this Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a must-try. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this stew is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal full of love, flavor, and warmth!