Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender beef, savory vegetables, and a creamy potato topping, perfect for warming you up on chilly days. This classic recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a substantial dose of protein and essential nutrients, making it a wonderfully balanced meal for family and friends. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, this Beef Stew with Potato Topping is your go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Why make this Beef Stew with Potato Topping recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with beef stew meat, this stew offers a high-protein meal that helps you feel full and satisfied.
- Quick prep: While the stew simmers, you can relax or prep other ingredients, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
- Meal-prep friendly: This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger portions, perfect for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.
- Low-carb option available: You can modify the topping for a lower-carb alternative, making it versatile for many diets.
- Kid-approved: Kids love the delicious flavors and comforting texture, making dinner time easier for parents.
“This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and so satisfying!” — Happy Customer
How to make Beef Stew with Potato Topping
Making Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a straightforward process that involves browning the beef, sautéing vegetables, and letting everything come together in a simmering pot. You’ll need simple kitchen equipment: a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and some basic kitchen utensils. This recipe is not just a delightful meal but also a wonderful family activity. For more wholesome dinner ideas, check out our recipe for Healthy 20-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for color)
These ingredients for the Beef Stew with Potato Topping can be easily substituted based on your preferences. For instance, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, or add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, then sprinkle with flour if using. Mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, carrots, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in peas if using and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with a topping of mashed potatoes.
You can enhance your stew’s flavor by finishing it with fresh herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you love a bit of a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes! For more delicious recipes like this, visit Creamy Chicken Casserole for another comforting dish.
How to serve Beef Stew with Potato Topping
Serve Beef Stew with Potato Topping in deep bowls to catch all the flavorful juices. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top adds a vibrant touch, while crusty bread or biscuits perfectly complement this dish. A side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. This meal is also naturally high in protein and nutrients, thanks to the beef and vegetables included, making it a great choice for a wholesome dinner.
To keep your culinary inspiration flowing, be sure to check out our article on Healthy Meal Prep for Weight Loss.
How to store
Store any leftover Beef Stew with Potato Topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it should retain its quality for about 3 months. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, ensuring the peas and other veggies are adequately cooked. For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Browning the beef: Ensure the beef pieces are well-browned for deeper flavor, avoiding overcrowding in the pan.
- Thickening the stew: Use flour to thicken the stew if you prefer a heartier texture; alternatively, let it simmer longer without flour for a lighter broth.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as green beans or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Flavor enhancement: A splash of red wine during the simmering stage can add complexity to the stew’s flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking can brighten the dish and enhance aromatics.
Variations
To cater to specific dietary preferences or needs, consider these variations for Beef Stew with Potato Topping:
- Gluten-free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetable-packed: Increase your vegetable content by including zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a spicy twist that adds depth.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Beef Stew with Potato Topping?
Absolutely! Cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well for stews due to their marbling and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
How long does it take to cook Beef Stew with Potato Topping?
The total cooking time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
What are good sides to serve with Beef Stew with Potato Topping?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad are excellent sides that pair well with this hearty stew.
For additional nutritional insights, visit Healthline for reliable health information.
Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a delightful, hearty dish that brings satisfaction to family meals. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!
Beef Stew with Potato Topping
Ingredients
For the stew
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces Use cuts like chuck roast or brisket for best flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional) For thickening the stew.
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional) For color.
For flavor enhancement
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, then sprinkle with flour if using. Mix well.
Cooking
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, carrots, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in peas if using and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with a topping of mashed potatoes.