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Hearty Beef and Potato Stew Recipe

3.9 from 84 reviews

A comforting and hearty beef and potato stew, slow-simmered to tender perfection in a flavorful broth enriched with aromatic spices, shallots, and tomato paste. This classic dish is perfect for cozy meals and pairs wonderfully with crusty country bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 1/5 lb beef chuck, trimmed and cut into chunks, brought to room temperature
  • 10 shallots, peeled
  • 13 oz baby potatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

Liquids and Others

  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 3 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp corn starch

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel the shallots and mince the garlic cloves to have everything ready before you start cooking.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over high heat. Place the beef chunks in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3 minutes. Then stir and continue cooking until the beef is golden brown on all sides.
  3. Add Spices and Aromatics: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and brown sugar over the beef. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the corn starch and stir well to coat the beef evenly.
  4. Add Shallots and Soy Sauce: Add peeled shallots and low sodium soy sauce to the pot, stirring to combine all the flavors.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of low sodium beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
  6. Add Tomato Paste and Potatoes: Stir in the double concentrated tomato paste, then add the baby potatoes. Continue to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes more, or until the meat is tender and potatoes are cooked through. Add a splash of water if the stew seems too thick during cooking.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot with slices of country bread for a complete comforting meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Bringing the beef to room temperature before cooking helps ensure even searing.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water after cooking to thicken the sauce.
  • Use low sodium beef broth and soy sauce to better control the salt level in the dish.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.
  • Country bread or crusty bread are ideal for soaking up the delicious stew juices.

Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, potato stew, slow simmer, comforting dinner, one pot meal, easy beef recipe