Winter Comfort Food Recipe For 4 People
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.
Table of Contents
classic beef stew with homemade garlic mashed potatoes
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.
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.
FAQs
- Can I use other vegetables in the beef stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or green beans for extra flavor and texture. - 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. - 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. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, both the stew and mashed potatoes freeze well. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months. - What can I serve as a side dish?
A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make great sides to this hearty dish.
Conclusion
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.
