A bowl of easy French beef stew with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

why make this recipe

Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a warm and comforting dish. It is perfect for cold days or family gatherings. The beef is tender, and the flavors blend beautifully. With creamy mashed potatoes on the side, it makes a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, even if you’re new to cooking.

how to make Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients :

  • 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large potatoes (for mashed potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 4 tablespoons of butter

Directions :

  1. In a bowl, toss the beef chunks with flour until well coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
  4. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, and stir for a few minutes.
  5. Return the beef to the pot and mix in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  7. While the stew cooks, peel and dice the potatoes for the mashed potatoes. Boil in a pot of salted water until soft, about 15 minutes.
  8. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter. Mash until creamy and smooth.
  9. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the beef stew with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

how to serve Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stew hot in a bowl with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. You can garnish with fresh parsley if you like. This dish pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.

how to store Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the mashed potatoes, keep them in a separate container. You can also freeze the stew for up to three months. Be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

tips to make Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried, if available, for a brighter taste.
  • Make sure not to skip the browning step for the beef; it adds depth to the stew.

variation

You can add other vegetables like green peas or mushrooms for variety. If you want a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use chicken or even make a vegetarian version with mushrooms and beans.

How can I thicken the stew?
If you want a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, add it to the stew, and simmer until thickened.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the meat first and then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

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Easy French Beef Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes


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  • Author: angela
  • Total Time: 140 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A warm and comforting dish perfect for cold days or family gatherings, featuring tender beef stew and creamy mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large potatoes (for mashed potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 4 tablespoons of butter

Instructions

  1. Toss the beef chunks with flour until well coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
  3. Add onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook until the onion is soft.
  4. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, and stir for a few minutes.
  5. Return the beef to the pot and mix in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 90 to 120 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
  7. Peel and dice the potatoes for the mashed potatoes while the stew cooks. Boil in a pot of salted water until soft, about 15 minutes.
  8. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter. Mash until creamy and smooth.
  9. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the beef stew with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the stew, and use fresh herbs for a brighter taste.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl with mashed potatoes
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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