Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

 Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm and hearty beef stew served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The beef becomes tender as it simmers slowly, while the vegetables and broth create a deep, savory sauce. Pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes takes this recipe to the next level, making every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a Sunday family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this Hearty Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is a classic that never disappoints.

 Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup diced carrots (optional)
• ½ cup red wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
2. Boil for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
3. Drain well and mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside while you prepare the stew.

2. Brown the Beef

1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Lightly coat them with flour to help create a thick and flavorful stew.
3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until nicely browned.
5. Remove the beef and set it aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the garlic, onion, and carrots.
2. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes to release its rich flavor.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

1. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the browned bits — this adds amazing depth to the stew.
2. Add beef broth and fresh herbs.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot, stir well, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.
2. Top with the rich beef stew, making sure to drizzle plenty of the savory gravy over the potatoes.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

 Tips for Success

• Best Cut of Beef: Beef chuck works best because it becomes tender after slow cooking.
• No Wine? Simply replace with more beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Extra Creaminess: Add a spoonful of sour cream, cream cheese, or shredded cheddar to your mashed potatoes.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook the stew in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours for a hands-free method.

 Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
• A glass of red wine or sparkling grape juice makes an excellent pairing.

 Conclusion

This Hearty Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Tender beef, rich gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave something cozy, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.