Chilis & Stews

Potato And Beef Stew

Name: Potato And Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Chilis & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a potato and beef stew for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the table, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. The aroma of tender beef and potatoes filled the air, and the first bite was like a warm hug on a cold day. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This potato and beef stew is more than just a meal - it's a comfort food that brings people together. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be prepared in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

As a home cook, I've learned that the key to a great stew is using high-quality ingredients and cooking the beef and potatoes to perfection. In this recipe, we'll use tender ground beef, flavorful onions, and creamy potatoes to create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. It's easy to follow, and the steps are straightforward, ensuring that you'll end up with a delicious stew that your family will love. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of making a perfect potato and beef stew. We'll discuss the importance of browning the beef, cooking the potatoes to the right texture, and seasoning the stew to bring out the flavors. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a pro at making a hearty and comforting stew that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The stew is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a great option for families with different dietary needs.
The stew is a comfort food that brings people together, making it perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
The recipe is easy to follow, and the steps are straightforward, ensuring that you'll end up with a delicious stew that your family will love.
The stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for cold winter nights or any time you need a warm, comforting meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great potato and beef stew lies in the cooking technique. By browning the beef and cooking the potatoes to the right texture, we create a rich and flavorful stew that's both satisfying and delicious. The key is to cook the beef and potatoes in a way that brings out their natural flavors, and then to season the stew with a blend of herbs and spices that complement the ingredients.

One of the most important steps in making a great stew is browning the beef. This process creates a rich, caramelized crust on the surface of the meat, which adds depth and flavor to the stew. To brown the beef, we'll cook it in a hot pan with a small amount of oil, stirring occasionally, until it's nicely browned on all sides.

Another crucial step is cooking the potatoes to the right texture. We want the potatoes to be tender, but still firm enough to hold their shape. To achieve this, we'll cook the potatoes in the stew for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork.

Finally, we'll season the stew with a blend of herbs and spices that complement the ingredients. This will add a rich, savory flavor to the stew, and bring out the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great potato and beef stew, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. In this recipe, we'll use a combination of tender ground beef, flavorful onions, and creamy potatoes to create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. We'll also add some herbs and spices to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and add a rich, savory flavor to the stew.

To make this recipe, you'll need to visit your local supermarket and pick up a few ingredients. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and lean ground beef, to ensure that your stew turns out delicious.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a lean ground beef with a fat content of around 10-15% to ensure that the stew is flavorful and tender. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute if you prefer.
2 medium onions, choppedOnions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the stew, so be sure to cook them until they're nicely browned. You can also use shallots or leeks as a substitute if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the stew, so be sure to mince it finely and cook it until it's fragrant. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute if you prefer.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and choppedChoose high-quality potatoes that are firm and waxy, such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These will hold their shape and add a creamy texture to the stew.
1 cup (250ml) beef brothBeef broth adds a rich, savory flavor to the stew, so be sure to use a high-quality broth that's low in sodium. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a subtle, herbaceous flavor to the stew, so be sure to use it sparingly. You can also use fresh thyme or rosemary as a substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp dried rosemaryRosemary adds a piney, herbaceous flavor to the stew, so be sure to use it sparingly. You can also use fresh rosemary or thyme as a substitute if you prefer.
1/2 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavors of the ingredients, so be sure to use it sparingly. You can also use sea salt or kosher salt as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, spicy flavor to the stew, so be sure to use it sparingly. You can also use white pepper or cayenne pepper as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the stew, so be sure to use it sparingly. You can also use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy potSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Potato And Beef Stew

1
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it's hot and shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're nicely browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it's no longer pink and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the chopped potatoes, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together, about 20-25 minutes.
7
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stew, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
8
Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the juices.
9
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
10
Let the stew cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
11
Reheat the stew over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming, about 10-15 minutes.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and lean ground beef, to ensure that the stew turns out delicious.
Don't overcook the stew, as this can make the potatoes mushy and the flavors bland.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the juices.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to the stew.
Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds, to add unique flavors and textures to the stew.
Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Let the stew cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it, as this helps to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the beef and onions properly, which can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Overcooking the stew, which can make the potatoes mushy and the flavors bland.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not letting the stew rest before serving, which can result in a stew that's not as flavorful or satisfying.
Not using a variety of herbs and spices, which can result in a stew that's lacking in depth and complexity.
Not serving the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, which can make the meal feel incomplete or unsatisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

Use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
Use sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds instead of Russet potatoes for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to the stew for added protein and fiber.
Use a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin or chili powder, to add depth and complexity to the stew.
Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness and flavor.
Let the stew simmer for a longer period of time, such as 30-40 minutes, for a richer and more intense flavor.

What to Serve With Potato And Beef Stew

This potato and beef stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for cold winter nights or any time you need a warm, comforting meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving this stew include:

Crusty breadMashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSaladCornbreadBiscuits

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This potato and beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To refrigerate the stew, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the stew, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to reheat the stew, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

It's also important to note that the stew will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little bit of water or broth when you reheat it to achieve the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for this stew?

You can use any type of potato you like, but Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well. These potatoes are high in starch, which helps to thicken the stew and add a creamy texture.

Can I use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef. Just be sure to cook the meat until it's no longer pink and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

How long can I store this stew in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store this stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it, and to reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I add other ingredients to this stew, such as beans or vegetables?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this stew, such as beans or vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly, and to use ingredients that are compatible with the flavors in the stew.

How do I reheat this stew without drying it out?

To reheat this stew without drying it out, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the stew if it becomes too thick during reheating.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and onions in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How do I know when the stew is done?

The stew is done when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can check the internal temperature of the stew with an instant-read thermometer, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. These sides help to soak up the flavorful broth and add a satisfying texture to the meal.

The Full Recipe

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