Beef Stew with Potato Topping
This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a comforting dish filled with tender meat and hearty vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
For the Potato Topping
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat up your cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until soft, then add the minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Return the beef to the pot, sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about an hour.
- While the stew simmers, bring a pot of water to boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain, return to the pot, and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the stew into a baking dish, top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing it over, and bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a smile!
Notes
You can add peas or corn for extra color. Consider using pre-cooked beef or leftovers for a quicker preparation. Don't worry about the toppings looking rustic!