As the cold weather settles in, there’s nothing better than cozying up with some hearty, warm winter comfort food. Whether it’s a snowy evening or just a chilly day, this recipe for a classic Beef Stew Winter Comfort Food with homemade garlic mashed potatoes is the perfect way to satisfy and warm your soul. This meal is rich, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that’ll have your family or guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Winter Comfort Food

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

for the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make the Beef Stew

1. Sear the Beef

Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides—don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let it reduce for a few minutes, then return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low for 1½ to 2 hours.

4. Add Potatoes and Finish

After the meat has become fork-tender, stir in the cubed potatoes. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the broth has thickened slightly. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes and Garlic

Place chopped potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

2. Mash and Mix

Drain the potatoes and garlic well. Return to the pot or place in a large bowl. Add butter and mash until smooth. Gradually stir in the cream or milk until the desired creaminess is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for a Perfect Winter Comfort Food

Make it ahead: Beef stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld, so consider making it a day in advance.
Add some crusty bread: Serve the stew with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.

Serving the Dish Winter Comfort Food

Spoon a generous helping of garlic mashed potatoes onto a plate or into a bowl. Ladle the rich beef stew over the top, making sure to get plenty of that flavorful broth and tender veggies. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

This meal is classic, hearty, and absolutely packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those dishes that always brings people back for seconds.

FAQs Winter Comfort Food

1. Can I use other vegetables in the beef stew?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
2. What if I don’t have beef stew meat?
   You can substitute it with other cuts like chuck roast or even lamb for a different take on the dish.
3. How can I make this stew vegetarian?
   Swap the beef for hearty vegetables like butternut squash and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, both the stew and mashed potatoes freeze well. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
5. What can I serve as a side dish?
   A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make great sides to this hearty dish.                                                       

Conclusion Winter Comfort Food

This hearty beef stew paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes is the ultimate winter comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. Simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and filling, it’s a great dish to serve when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

classic beef stew with homemade garlic mashed potatoes Recipe

As the cold weather settles in, there's nothing better than cozying up with some hearty, warm winter comfort food. Whether it’s a snowy evening or just a chilly day, this recipe for a classic beef stew with homemade garlic mashed potatoes is the perfect way to satisfy and warm your soul. This meal is rich, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that’ll have your family or guests coming back for seconds.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Stew:

• 1 lb beef stew meat cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 potatoes cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• 1 cup red wine optional
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic peeled
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

For the Beef Stew:

Brown the beef:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Sauté vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Add liquids:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the red wine (optional) and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced. Add the beef broth and return the browned beef to the pot.

Add seasonings:

• Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add mushrooms and potatoes:

• After 1 hour, add the cubed potatoes and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Boil potatoes and garlic:

• Place the peeled and chopped potatoes along with the whole garlic cloves in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Mash and mix:

• Drain the potatoes and garlic. Add butter and milk (or cream), then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Keyword AMERICAIN, classic beef stew, classic beef stew with homemade garlic mashed potatoes Recipe, garlic mashed potatoes