Description
A hearty and comforting beef stew topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender beef chunks are slowly simmered with aromatic vegetables in a rich broth, then baked with a golden potato crust for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Stew
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 cup peas (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Potato Topping
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stew with the potato topping.
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides to seal in the flavors, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, coating the meat and aromatics evenly.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and peas if using. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the stew mixture to a baking dish. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the stew. Dot the potato topping with butter for added richness.
- Bake the stew: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and heated through.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to cool slightly.
Notes
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes from scratch or use pre-made mashed potatoes for convenience.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the simmering step.
- The peas are optional; omit them if you prefer a classic carrot and celery stew.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
