Hearty Beef and Potato Stew That’s Perfect for Chilly Nights Recipe

Introduction

This hearty beef and potato stew is a perfect meal for chilly nights, offering rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out. Tender beef chuck simmers with baby potatoes and a blend of aromatic seasonings, creating a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 lbs beef chuck, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 shallots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
• 1 lb baby potatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and chop the shallots and mince the garlic to prepare your base flavors.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over high heat. Add the beef chunks in a single layer and sear for about 3 minutes before stirring to brown all sides evenly.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and brown sugar. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cornstarch until fully incorporated. Add the chopped shallots and pour in the soy sauce to boost umami flavors.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 1 hour to meld the flavors.
6. Step 6: Stir in the tomato paste and add the baby potatoes. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through. Add more broth if the stew is too thick.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by warm crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches without overcrowding the pot to ensure a good sear.
• Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, seasonal twist.
• Add a splash of red wine during the simmering stage for added richness.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with brisket or short ribs, but beef chuck is preferred for its balance of tenderness and marbling that works well in slow cooking.

How do I prevent the potatoes from turning mushy?

Choose baby potatoes sized uniformly and add them halfway through the cooking process as directed, so they cook just until tender without breaking apart.

Hearty Beef and Potato Stew That’s Perfect for Chilly Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

This Hearty Beef and Potato Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. Featuring tender chunks of beef chuck simmered with baby potatoes, aromatic shallots, garlic, and a blend of smoked paprika, thyme, and tomato paste, this stew delivers deep, rich flavors in a thick, satisfying broth. Finished with a touch of brown sugar and umami-rich soy sauce, it’s a warming one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Stew

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 shallots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste

For the Heartiness

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Peel and chop the shallots and mince the garlic. Having these aromatics ready will build the flavorful foundation for your stew.
2. Sear Beef: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the beef chunks in a single layer and sear without moving for about 3 minutes, then stir and continue browning all sides evenly. This step locks in juices and develops a rich crust.
3. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and brown sugar over the beef. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and combined, allowing the spices to bloom.
4. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch until fully incorporated, then add the chopped shallots and pour in the low sodium soy sauce, which enhances umami depth and balances flavors.
5. Simmer Stew: Pour in the low sodium beef broth, increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour to meld the flavors and tenderize the beef.
6. Final Cooking Steps: Stir in the double concentrated tomato paste for richness and vibrant color. Add the baby potatoes and continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if needed.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot in bowls, optionally topped with fresh parsley. Enjoy with warm, crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• For extra depth, you can add a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
• If baby potatoes are unavailable, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into similar-sized chunks.
• To make this stew gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
• For a thicker stew, reduce more broth during the final simmer before serving.

Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, potato stew, comfort food, cold weather recipe, one pot meal