Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes (Classic Comfort Recipe)
This is a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew served over creamy mashed potatoes—warm, rich, and very filling.
Serves: 4–6
Total time: ~2 to 2.5 hours
—
🥩 Ingredients
For Beef Stew
1.5 lb (700 g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed (for stew)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups beef broth or water
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Optional additions
½ cup peas (added at the end)
Mushrooms
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon for deeper flavor)
—
For Mashed Potatoes
4 large potatoes (boiled and peeled)
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk (warm)
Salt to taste
Black pepper (optional)
—
🍲 Step 1: Brown the Beef
1. Heat oil in a large pot.
2. Add beef cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd).
3. Brown on all sides for better flavor.
4. Remove and set aside.
👉 This step builds deep flavor in the stew.
—
🧅 Step 2: Cook Vegetables
1. In the same pot, add onions.
2. Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
—
🥕 Step 3: Build the Stew
1. Return beef to the pot.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Pour in beef broth.
4. Stir well.
—
⏲️ Step 4: Slow Cook
1. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
👉 The beef should become very tender.
—
🌽 Step 5: Thicken and Finish
If stew is thin, mix 1 tablespoon flour with water and stir in.
Add peas or mushrooms in the last 10 minutes.
Adjust salt and seasoning.
—
🥔 Step 6: Make Mashed Potatoes
1. Boil potatoes until soft (15–20 minutes).
2. Drain water completely.
3. Mash potatoes while hot.
4. Add butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Whip until smooth and creamy.
—
🍽️ Step 7: Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes into a bowl.
Pour hot beef stew over the top.
Garnish with parsley if desired.
—
🔥 Tips for Best Results
Use beef chuck (it becomes tender when slow-cooked)
Don’t rush cooking—slow simmer improves taste
Add broth gradually if it gets too thick
Let stew rest 10 minutes before serving for richer flavor
—
🧠 What Makes This Dish Special
This classic beef stew pairs with mashed potatoes because:
The creamy potatoes balance the rich gravy
The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and flavorful
It’s high in protein and very filling
This style of Beef Stew is a traditional comfort dish found in many cuisines, often served with starches like potatoes.
—
If you want, I can also give you:
Instant Pot beef stew version (faster)
Restaurant-style thick gravy beef stew
Or spicy Asian-style beef stew variation