Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Stew

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches until nicely seared.
3. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well.
6. Add the tomato paste, paprika, and thyme.
7. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring.
8. Return the browned beef to the pot and add the carrots and potatoes.
9. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
10. Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.
3. Drain well and return the potatoes to the warm pot.
4. Add the butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Serve

Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes into each bowl and ladle the rich beef stew alongside or over the top.

The combination of tender beef, sweet carrots, rich gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes makes this a comforting family dinner that is perfect for a cold evening.