Ultimate Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Delight

Ultimate Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Delight

If you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Ultimate Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the dish for you! Tender chunks of beef, mixed with hearty vegetables and a savory, rich gravy, served with velvety mashed potatoes, make for a soul-warming comfort food experience. This recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be loved by everyone at the table!

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Stew

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Stew Base

  1. Add Vegetables and Broth: Add diced potatoes, carrots, and the browned beef back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  3. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew to thicken the broth. Continue to cook for 5-10 more minutes, allowing the stew to thicken.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes: While the stew is cooking, place the chopped potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
  3. Keep Warm: Cover the mashed potatoes and keep them warm until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Assemble the Dish: Spoon a generous portion of beef stew into each bowl. Top with a large scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the mashed potatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
  3. Enjoy: Serve your ultimate beef stew with mashed potatoes and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Tips and Variations:

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Option: This beef stew can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
  • Using Instant Pot: If you have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this recipe by using the sauté function for the beef and veggies and then setting the pressure cook for about 30 minutes. This will speed up the cooking process without compromising flavor.
  • Customize Your Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic, shredded cheese, or even some chopped bacon to your mashed potatoes for extra flair!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew:

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of rich beef stew paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate indulgence for a cold day!
  • Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce that makes for a satisfying meal.
  • Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s simple to prepare, and everyone loves it!

Conclusion:

This Ultimate Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the perfect meal to bring warmth and comfort to your table. It’s easy to make, hearty, and bursting with flavor. From the tender beef and vegetables to the creamy mashed potatoes, every bite will have you craving more. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

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