Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Beef Stew paired with luscious Mashed Potatoes, a timeless dish that warms the soul. This recipe brings together tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection. Complementing the stew, our creamy mashed potatoes are a buttery delight, making this meal a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew:
- 500 grams beef, diced
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced (avoid small pieces)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large carrot, sliced (not too small)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (or chili powder if cayenne is unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 500 ml water
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Milk, as needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Beef Stew:
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Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Add the Onions: Stir in the diced onion and cook until the bottom of the pot starts to brown, about 5 minutes. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew.
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Incorporate Seasonings: Mix in the water, beef bouillon cubes, thyme, oregano, cayenne powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cubes and combine the spices thoroughly.
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Add Vegetables: Begin by adding the diced potatoes and cook for about 45 minutes on medium-low heat. Then, add the sliced carrots and chopped tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
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Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes well.
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Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter and a splash of milk, stirring until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Serving
Scoop a generous portion of the hearty beef stew into bowls, making sure to ladle some of the rich broth over the top. Serve alongside a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy this classic comfort meal with your loved ones, and let the flavors take you back to simpler times. Bon appétit!