A hearty Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Tender chunks of beef slowly cooked with vegetables in a rich, savory gravy are served over creamy mashed potatoes for a warm, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer the browned beef to a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Build the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well.
Add the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
4. Simmer the Beef
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for approximately 1½–2 hours, or until the beef becomes very tender.
5. Add the Potatoes and Peas
Add the potato chunks during the final 30–40 minutes of cooking.
When the potatoes and beef are tender, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
6. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the stew cooks, place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain thoroughly.
Return the potatoes to the warm pot and add the butter.
Mash while gradually adding warm milk until you reach your preferred creamy consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Serve
Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes into each bowl.
Ladle the hot beef stew and plenty of gravy over the top.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley.
💡 Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Beef chuck is an excellent choice because slow cooking makes it tender and flavorful.
Brown the beef in batches to develop better flavor.
Don’t rush the simmering process—the beef needs time to become tender.
Use warm milk when making mashed potatoes for a smoother texture.
For extra-rich mashed potatoes, add another tablespoon of butter.
Let the stew rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
🍽️ Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes Servings: 6 Course: Main Course Cuisine: Comfort Food
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes brings together everything you want from a cozy homemade dinner: tender beef, hearty vegetables, rich gravy, and creamy potatoes.
It’s especially delicious on a chilly evening when you’re craving a filling meal that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
