Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

• 700 g beef (preferably stewing cuts like chuck or brisket), cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 150 ml warm milk

Steps on How to Do It:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions and Carrots: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and sauté them for 5 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to incorporate it with the garlic and vegetables. This will add depth to the stew’s flavor.

Step 3: Build the Stew

5. Return the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot and stir it into the vegetable mixture.
6. Add Liquid: Pour in enough water (around 500-600 ml) to cover the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning, and cook for 1-1.5 hours until the beef becomes tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

7. Cook the Potatoes: While the stew is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
8. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 150 ml warm milk, and a pinch of salt. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 5: Final Touches

9. Finish the Stew: Once the beef is tender, add the sour cream to the stew, stirring to combine. This will add a creamy texture and a slight tang to balance the rich flavors.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the stew for a fresh touch.
11. Serve: Serve the beef stew hot with a generous portion of mashed potatoes on the side.

Prep Time:

• Active Prep: 20 minutes
• Stew Cooking Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Potato Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Prep Time: 1.5-2 hours

Cooking Time:

• Beef Stew Cooking: 1-1.5 hours
• Potato Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total Cooking Time: 1.5-2 hours

Total Time:

• Approximately: 2 hours

Servings:

• Serves 4-6 people

Calories (per serving):

• Approximate: 450-500 kcal per serving

Explanation of the Recipe’s Timeless Appeal:

This Hearty Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes offers a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and nourishment. The slow-cooked beef, enriched with vegetables, garlic, and tomato paste, provides an incredible depth of flavor that is savory and satisfying. The sour cream in the stew adds a richness and tang that balances the hearty beef and the sweetness of the carrots, while the creamy mashed potatoes offer the perfect, smooth contrast.

What makes this recipe timeless is its simplicity. It’s a dish that can be easily prepared at home, using basic ingredients that are often already on hand. The pairing of mashed potatoes with a beef stew is a classic that resonates with people across different cultures and generations. It’s versatile and can be adjusted to fit personal tastes, whether by adding other vegetables or spices.

Moreover, this dish has a special nostalgic quality. For many, it recalls memories of family gatherings, comforting dinners on cold nights, or the kind of home-cooked meal that feels both satisfying and nourishing. The ingredients are accessible and affordable, and the cooking method is straightforward, making it a recipe that is both practical and gratifying.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 40-45 g
• Fat: 18-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
• Fiber: 4-5 g
• Sugars: 6-8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for the stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like round, brisket, or stew meat. However, cuts with more marbling tend to be more tender after slow cooking, so they may be the best option for a stew.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I freeze the beef stew?
Yes, you can freeze the beef stew for up to 3 months. However, mashed potatoes don’t freeze well, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, parsnips, or celery for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to add them about 30 minutes before the stew is done so they don’t overcook

Tips on How to Make:

1. Browning the Beef: Don’t rush the browning step, as it helps to develop the flavor of the beef. Brown the meat in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear.
2. Low and Slow Cooking: To make the beef extra tender, cook it over low heat for a longer period of time. This will result in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Sour Cream Addition: Stir in the sour cream at the end to prevent it from curdling during the cooking process. It adds richness to the stew without overpowering the other flavors.
4. Mashed Potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, make sure to use warm milk and butter. This will help achieve a smooth consistency.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store the leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up.
• Freezing: You can freeze the beef stew without the mashed potatoes for up to 3 months. The mashed potatoes are best made fresh, but the stew itself freezes well.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, wholesome dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day. The tender beef and savory vegetables, combined with creamy mashed potatoes, create a balanced and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and incredible flavor, this recipe embodies the timeless appeal of home-cooked meals that warm both the body and soul. Enjoy this dish, and you’ll find it’s one you’ll keep coming back to, season after season.