This Loaded Beef Stew with Buttery Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food dish, bringing together tender, slow-simmered beef in a rich, flavorful sauce, all served over silky, buttery mashed potatoes. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the deep, robust flavors of herbs, garlic, and red wine, creating a truly mouthwatering experience in every bite.
Perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish satisfies on every level. The mashed potatoes soak up the delicious stew gravy, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or just a regular weekday dinner, this hearty dish is bound to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Build the Stew: Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the red wine. Let it cook for a minute to deglaze the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the stew is simmering, boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Final Touches: Stir the frozen peas into the stew and let it cook for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
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Serve: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the rich beef stew over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Loaded Beef Stew with Buttery Mashed Potatoes
A Classic Dish with a Modern Twist
Nothing beats a warm, hearty meal that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of slow-simmered beef and herbs. Loaded Beef Stew with Buttery Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—tender chunks of beef cooked in a deeply flavored broth with a medley of vegetables, all served over a bed of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. This dish has been a staple in many households for generations, and for good reason—it’s nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
This recipe is perfect for those who love slow-cooked meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up the robust flavors of the broth, making every bite a delightful experience.
The History Behind This Dish
Beef stew has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. Variations of beef stew can be found in many cultures worldwide, from the French Boeuf Bourguignon to the Irish Guinness Stew. Stews were traditionally made using tougher cuts of meat, which were slowly cooked to develop rich flavors and tender textures.
The pairing of stew and mashed potatoes is a match made in culinary heaven. Mashed potatoes originated in the 18th century and have since become a beloved side dish worldwide. Their creamy texture perfectly balances the hearty, meaty stew, making this combination a classic comfort meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Rich, Deep Flavors: Slow cooking the beef with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Tender, Juicy Beef: Cooking the beef for 1.5 to 2 hours ensures that it becomes fork-tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth.
- Perfectly Buttery Mashed Potatoes: The addition of butter and milk makes the mashed potatoes ultra-creamy and the ideal complement to the rich stew.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables, and energy-boosting carbohydrates from potatoes, this dish is both filling and nourishing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s a great meal for batch cooking and storing for busy days.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats beautifully.
✔ Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Freezing: You can freeze the beef stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen but may require reheating with a bit of milk to restore their creamy texture.
✔ Reheating: Warm the stew gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of butter and milk to restore their consistency.
What to Serve with This Dish
Although this Loaded Beef Stew with Buttery Mashed Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with other sides for a more elevated dining experience:
🥖 Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful gravy.
🥗 Side Salad – A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the dish.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the deep flavors of the stew.
🌽 Roasted Vegetables – Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans make great accompaniments.
The Secret to Making the Best Beef Stew
To make restaurant-quality beef stew, follow these key steps:
1. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
The best stews start with the right cut of beef. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which dry out during long cooking. Instead, opt for fattier, tougher cuts that become tender and juicy after slow cooking. The best choices include:
- Chuck Roast – The most popular choice for stews; it’s affordable and packed with flavor.
- Brisket – Has a slightly firmer texture but delivers deep flavor when slow-cooked.
- Short Ribs – These provide incredible richness due to their high fat content.
2. Searing the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Instead of throwing raw beef into the pot, sear the beef first. Browning the meat in hot oil creates a caramelized crust, locking in juices and adding an extra depth of flavor.
3. Layering the Ingredients
Adding all the ingredients at once might seem easy, but the best stews build flavors in layers:
- Sear the beef first.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine or broth to lift all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
4. Cooking Low and Slow
The magic of this dish comes from slow cooking the beef for 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a fork-tender texture.
5. Balancing the Flavors
A great stew needs a balance of savory, umami, and acidity. To achieve this:
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for acidity.
- Use tomato paste for depth.
- Stir in a small amount of honey or brown sugar to mellow out any bitterness.
How to Customize This Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it based on your preferences:
🔹 Make It Spicier – Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little heat.
🔹 Add More Vegetables – Mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips work great.
🔹 Go Low-Carb – Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
🔹 Use a Different Meat – Try lamb, pork, or even chicken thighs for a twist.
🔹 Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk or olive oil instead of butter and milk in the mashed potatoes.
Common Questions About This Dish
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Q: Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release.
Q: What can I use instead of wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace the wine with extra beef broth or balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Q: How can I thicken the stew?
If you want a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the stew at the end.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying, and flavorful meal, this Loaded Beef Stew with Buttery Mashed Potatoes is a must-try. With its tender, slow-cooked beef, rich, savory broth, and buttery mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Whether you make it as written or customize it to your liking, one thing is certain: this dish will become a favorite in your household!