Ultimate Tender Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Culinary Masterpiece

by

The Art of Slow-Cooked Perfection

There’s something magical about a beef stew that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor and tenderness. This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey that brings comfort, warmth, and pure satisfaction to your dining table. Imagine fork-tender beef, rich with deep, complex flavors, nestled alongside the creamiest mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.

Why This Beef Stew Will Become Your Favorite Comfort Dish

Slow cooking is the secret to unlocking incredible depth of flavor and unbelievable meat tenderness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s both rustic and refined, perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you need a soul-warming meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ingredients List

Beef Stew Ingredients

  • Beef: 1.1 lb (500 g)
  • Bacon: 5.3 oz (150 g)
  • Onion: 1 medium
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Mushrooms: 5.3 oz (150 g)
  • Carrot: 1 medium
  • Celery Stalks: 2
  • Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
  • Dry Red Wine: 1 glass (approximately 150-200 ml)
  • Beef Broth: 1.7 cups (400 ml)
  • Fresh Dill: 1 bunch

Mashed Potato Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 6-7 medium
  • Butter: 0.7 oz (20 g)
  • Warm Milk: 0.6 cups (150 ml)
  • Grated Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g) Parmesan or alternative

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Beef Stew

  1. Meat and Bacon Preparation
    • Pat beef dry with paper towels
    • Cut beef into 1-inch cubes
    • Dice bacon into small pieces
    • Season beef with salt and pepper
  2. Vegetable Preparation
    • Finely chop onion
    • Mince garlic cloves
    • Dice carrot and celery into small, uniform pieces
    • Clean and slice mushrooms
    • Chop fresh dill, reserving some for garnish
  3. Browning the Meat
    • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
    • Add bacon, cook until crispy and fat is rendered
    • Remove bacon, set aside
    • In the same pot, brown beef cubes in batches
    • Ensure each piece develops a deep golden crust
    • Remove beef and set aside
  4. Building the Flavor Base
    • In the same pot, sauté chopped onions
    • Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant
    • Add carrots and celery, cook for 3-4 minutes
    • Stir in tomato paste
    • Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring to coat
  5. Creating the Sauce
    • Slowly pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits
    • Add beef broth
    • Return beef and bacon to the pot
    • Add sliced mushrooms
    • Bring to a gentle simmer
  6. Slow Cooking
    • Cover pot and reduce heat to low
    • Simmer for 1.5-2 hours
    • Stir occasionally
    • Meat should become incredibly tender
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste
    • Add most of the chopped dill near the end of cooking

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Potato Preparation
    • Peel potatoes
    • Cut into evenly sized chunks
    • Rinse potatoes to remove excess starch
  2. Cooking Potatoes
    • Place potatoes in a large pot
    • Cover with cold water
    • Add a pinch of salt
    • Bring to a boil
    • Reduce heat, simmer until potatoes are tender
    • Drain thoroughly
  3. Mashing and Finishing
    • Return potatoes to the pot
    • Add butter
    • Begin mashing
    • Slowly pour in warm milk
    • Continue mashing until smooth
    • Fold in grated cheese
    • Season with salt and pepper

Serving

  • Plate mashed potatoes as a base
  • Ladle beef stew over potatoes
  • Garnish with remaining fresh dill
  • Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal

Nutritional Information

Dish Nutritional Profile

  • Calories: 650-750
  • Protein: 40-45g
  • Carbohydrates: 45-55g
  • Fat: 35-40g
  • Fiber: 5-7g
  • Vitamin A: 30% Daily Value
  • Iron: 25% Daily Value

Preparation and Cooking Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2-2.5 hours
  • Total Time: 2.5-3 hours
  • Servings: 4-5

Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Meat Selection: Choose chuck roast or braising beef for best results
  • Wine Tip: Use a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking
  • Potato Perfection: Warm milk helps create creamier mashed potatoes
  • Flavor Enhancement: Let stew rest for 30 minutes before serving
  • Cheese Choice: Experiment with different hard cheeses for variation

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat
  • Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour
  • Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use nutritional yeast
  • Herb Variations: Try thyme or rosemary instead of dill
  • Alcohol-Free: Substitute wine with beef broth or grape juice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Brown meat first, then transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q2: How long can I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.

Q3: Can I freeze this stew? A: Absolutely! Freeze without potatoes for up to 3 months.

Q4: What’s the best way to ensure tender meat? A: Low and slow cooking is key. Don’t rush the process.

Q5: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Lamb or pork can work, but cooking times may vary.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store stew and potatoes separately
  • Freezing: Freeze stew without potatoes
  • Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop
  • Prep Ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day
  • Portion Control: Easy to scale up or down

Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your soul with every delicious bite!