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Hey there, friends!
Feeling like indulging in some comfort food? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious beef stew over creamy mashed potatoes.
It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little extra love on your plate.
Let’s dive into this cozy recipe!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the diced stew beef, consider using chuck roast or top round for a more economical option. Alternatively, use seitan or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time as these alternatives cook faster than beef. For a leaner option, turkey breast can be used, though it may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor.
Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish, or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. For a richer taste, consider using red wine mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio. Adjust salt content accordingly, as some substitutes may have different sodium levels.
Mashed potatoes can be substituted with mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Steam and blend cauliflower florets, adding butter and milk as you would for regular mashed potatoes. For added nutrition, consider using sweet potatoes or a mix of root vegetables like parsnips and turnips. These alternatives may require slight adjustments in cooking time and seasoning to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 120-240 minutes |
| Total Time | 130-255 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1300-1500
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 120-130 g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound diced stew beef
- 4 big carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper (as desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 big bay leaf (or two smaller ones)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1/3 cup peas (frozen)
- Mashed potatoes
Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned beef to the pot and brown it on all sides, which should take about 4 minutes.
This step helps to lock in flavors and give the meat a nice color.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices
Once the stew meat is browned, add onions, carrots, garlic, and your choice of spices to the pot.
Stir them into the beef and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes.
This will help the vegetables start to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Deglaze the pot by pouring in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any flavorful bits stuck to it.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 2 to 4 hours, or until the meat becomes very tender.
This low and slow cooking method is key for developing rich flavors in the stew.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
When you’re ready to serve, remove the bay leaf from the stew.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter and flour together until smooth and integrated.
Stir this butter mixture into the simmering stew along with the frozen peas.
Allow the stew to cook until the gravy thickens slightly, indicating it’s ready to be served.
Step 5: Serve the Stew
Once the stew has thickened to your liking, serve it hot over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.
Enjoy the hearty and flavorful beef stew!
