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Beef Stew with Potato Topping

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Beef Stew with Potato Topping combines rich, slow‑simmered beef and vegetables in a savory gravy, finished with a fluffy mashed potato crust. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s like a hearty stew and shepherd’s pie in one dish.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

  • 2 lbs stewing beef (chuck or similar), cut into bite‑sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup all‑purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried herbs
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added near the end)

For the Potato Topping:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream (more if needed)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: shredded cheese, garlic powder, or chopped chives

Instructions

  1. Toss beef pieces in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown beef in batches until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then return beef to the pot.
  4. Add beef broth and herbs. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1½–2 hours, until beef is tender.
  5. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. If using peas, stir them into the stew once the beef is tender. Transfer the stew to a baking dish.
  7. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the stew. Sprinkle cheese or herbs on top if desired.
  8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and lightly crisp.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use sweet potatoes or a mix of potatoes for a different flavor in the topping.
  • Add mushrooms or a splash of red wine to the stew for extra depth.
  • If stew is too thin before topping, simmer uncovered or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
  • Leftover mashed potatoes work great on top if you’re short on time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/beef-stew-with-potato-topping/