Description
This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is a cozy, comforting dish that layers slow-simmered beef stew under a crisp, golden crown of thinly sliced potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or hearty weekend cooking.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 large yellow onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
4 Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing potatoes)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet. Add beef in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add onions. Cook until golden and caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for one more minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Return the beef to the pot.
4. Simmer covered over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer stew to a baking dish. Arrange potato slices over the top in overlapping circles.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until potatoes are golden and crisp.
8. Serve hot with a spoonful of sour cream and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Thin and even potato slices bake more evenly and look better for presentation.
You can prep the stew base a day ahead and just add the potato topping before baking.
Add shredded cheese between the stew and potato layers for an extra indulgent twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: beef stew, potato topping, hearty dinner, family meal, cold weather recipe