Beef & Potato Stew – sweetydreamz

This Beef & Potato Stew is a classic, slow-simmered comfort dish built on proper browning, gentle cooking, and layered seasoning. Tender chunks of beef cook down in a rich tomato-based sauce alongside soft, buttery potatoes, resulting in a deeply savory stew that’s both filling and nourishing. The final dish is hearty, aromatic, and perfect for cooler days or make-ahead meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Developed Flavor – Browning the beef and cooking the spices in tomato paste creates a rich, savory base.
Fork-Tender Texture – Slow simmering breaks down connective tissue in the beef for melt-in-your-mouth results.
One-Pot Comfort Food – Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup simple and efficient.
High-Protein & Filling – Packed with beef and potatoes, this stew is satisfying and nutritionally substantial.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Adaptable Cooking Methods – Works on the stovetop or in a slow cooker with minimal adjustments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein & Vegetables

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks – A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking.
1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed – Provide body, starch, and comforting texture to the stew.
1 large onion, diced – Builds sweetness and depth in the base.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic warmth and savory complexity.

Sauce & Liquids

2 cups tomato sauce – Forms the rich, tangy backbone of the stew.
2 cups beef broth – Adds moisture and enhances beefy flavor throughout cooking.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

Seasonings & Fat

3 tablespoons olive oil – Used for browning and sautéing, adding richness.
1 teaspoon paprika – Provides warmth and subtle smokiness.
1 teaspoon cumin – Adds earthy depth and aromatic complexity.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning at every stage.

Garnish

Fresh parsley, finely chopped – Adds freshness and color to finish the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then brown in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms; remove and set aside.

Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Toast the Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cumin, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen flavor and remove raw spice notes.

Simmer the Beef
Return the beef and any juices to the pot. Add tomato sauce and beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and simmer for another 25–30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and beef is fully tender.

Adjust and Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Choose the Right Cut – Beef chuck is ideal due to its fat content and connective tissue.
Don’t Rush Browning – Proper browning develops flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Control Thickness Naturally – Mash a few potatoes against the pot wall to thicken without additives.
Low and Slow Is Key – Gentle simmering prevents tough meat and broken potatoes.
Season in Stages – Season early and adjust at the end for balanced flavor.
Rest Improves Flavor – Letting the stew sit before serving enhances cohesion.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 6 generous servings as a main dish
Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (estimate, varies by ingredients used)

Perfect Pairings

Crusty Bread or Flatbread – Ideal for soaking up the rich sauce.
Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness and contrast to the hearty stew.
Steamed Rice or Couscous – Turns the stew into an even more filling meal.
Pickled Vegetables – Bright acidity balances the richness.

Ideal Occasions

Cold Weather Meals – Perfect for fall and winter dinners.
Family Gatherings – A crowd-pleasing, familiar comfort dish.
Meal Prep Weeks – Holds and reheats exceptionally well.
Casual Hosting – Low-effort cooking with high payoff.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.
Serving Upgrade – Finish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Creative Variations to Try

Vegetable Boost – Add carrots or peas for extra sweetness and color.
Spicy Version – Include chili flakes or harissa for heat.
Herb-Forward – Add bay leaf or thyme during simmering.
Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 6–8 hours after browning.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Beef Is Tough – Continue simmering; it needs more time to break down.
Sauce Too Thin – Simmer uncovered or mash some potatoes.
Sauce Too Thick – Add a splash of broth or water.
Flat Flavor – Finish with salt, pepper, or a small splash of vinegar.

Why This Recipe Works

This stew relies on classic stew-building principles: browning for flavor, slow moist heat for tenderness, and starch from potatoes for natural thickening. Tomato paste and spices are bloomed early to intensify aroma, while extended simmering allows collagen in the beef to convert into gelatin, enriching the sauce. At roughly 480 calories per serving, it provides a balanced, protein-rich meal with lasting satiety.

Final Thoughts

Beef & Potato Stew is a timeless dish that delivers warmth, nutrition, and deep flavor with straightforward technique. It’s hearty without being complicated, adaptable to different cooking methods, and ideal for both everyday dinners and make-ahead planning. With high protein content and simple ingredients, it’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style.