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Comfort Food Alert: Beef Stew with Potato Topping

When the weather is chilly and you find yourself curled up under a blanket while your kids are fighting over the remote, let me introduce you to a cozy little gem—Beef Stew with Potato Topping. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave wholesome comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll feel like a superstar chef, and your family will think you’re magic!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew with Potato Topping

Ah, the joys of a hearty stew! This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is like a warm hug in a bowl. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the veggies are bursting with flavor, and that creamy potato topping? Let’s just say you might end up scraping your bowl like you’re at a fancy restaurant—but who’s watching? This dish is not only delicious; it’s also a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet. Can I get a high five?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously comforting beef stew. Don’t worry; most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter

Cooking Steps

1. Sear the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil and let it heat up. Add your beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides—this will really enhance the flavor. Just remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; we’re not trying to have a beef party here!

2. Add the Veggies: Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir everything together and let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re just a little tender and smell like heaven.

3. Bring on the Flavor: Pour in the beef broth, add the minced garlic, thyme, and tomato paste. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—wait for the aroma to fill your kitchen!

4. Prepare the Potato Topping: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, let’s whip up that irresistible potato topping. Boil the potatoes in a separate pot until they’re soft (about 15-20 minutes). Drain them and mash with milk and butter until creamy. Season with a little salt and pepper.

5. Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the stew has simmered and the beef is tender, pour it into a baking dish. Spread that dreamy mashed potato topping over the stew, and make sure to create some swirls and peaks (you know, for the Instagram photo!). Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle generous portions into bowls, and brace yourself for the love and compliments that will come your way!

Cooking Tips

• Make it Ahead: This stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just think of it as a friendly reminder that dinner is already taken care of.

• Customization: Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand or what your picky eaters might actually eat. Green beans, peas, or even bell peppers can join the party!

• Lump-Free Mash: Don’t worry if your mashed potatoes get a bit lumpy. Seriously! It’s all part of the magic. Besides, who doesn’t love a little rustic charm?

A Personal Touch:

This dish became my go-to for family gatherings after my kids devoured it in record time! Every time I serve it, I’m reminded of warm autumn evenings spent around the table with loved ones, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

FAQs

• Can I substitute beef with chicken? Absolutely! Just use chicken pieces and adjust your cooking time accordingly. Chicken typically cooks faster, so keep an eye on it!

• How can I store leftovers? Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave (or oven for extra crispy goodness).

• Can I freeze this stew? Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

So, when the days get busy and your schedule feels overloaded, remember that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is here to save the day and bring your family together around the table.

Now go ahead and channel your inner chef—your kitchen is your stage, and this dish will surely get you a standing ovation!

Meta Description: Beef Stew with Potato Topping is the perfect recipe for a cozy night in. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!

Beef Stew with Potato Topping

This comforting Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a cozy dish perfect for chilly nights, featuring tender beef and a creamy potato topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Stew

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks Use a good quality beef for the best flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth Homemade or store-bought.
• 2 cups carrots, sliced Fresh carrots preferred.
• 1 cup celery, diced For added flavor and crunch.
• 1 medium onion, chopped Yellow or white onion works best.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme Herbs can be adjusted for preference.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds richness to the stew.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season to your taste.

For the Potato Topping

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes Choose starchy potatoes for better mashing.
• 1 cup milk Adjust for creaminess preference.
• 4 tablespoons butter Adds richness to the topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Add beef chunks, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides.
2. Once browned, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Pour in the beef broth, add minced garlic, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir well and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Prepare the Potato Topping

1. About 30 minutes before serving, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until soft (15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with milk and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the stew into a baking dish, spread the mashed potato topping over it, and create swirls.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve

1. Ladle generous portions into bowls and enjoy with family.

Notes

This stew is perfect for meal prep! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preferences.