One-Pan Beef Stew with Mash

Let’s Make Dinner Easy (and Tasty!)

Imagine this: It’s chilly outside, you’re craving something hearty, and you need it fast. But the thought of standing over the stove or scrubbing a pile of pots? No, thank you. That’s where this One-Pan Beef Stew with Mash comes in. It’s warm, comforting, and cooks entirely in one pan (yes, really!). And that mash? So creamy, you’ll want to dive right in.

I’m a big fan of recipes that do the heavy lifting for you. Whether it’s my Korean beef bulgogi, beef tacos, or this stew, I love meals that are as practical as they are delicious. Whip this up once, and you’ve got dinner sorted for tomorrow too—leftovers taste even better the next day. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through every step. No fancy skills required, just a little love and a big spoon.

Expert Tips

• Brown the beef in batches! Crowding the pan makes the meat steam instead of sear. Trust me, crispy edges = extra tasty stew.
• Don’t waste those tasty bits! After browning the beef, if you see browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, pour in a splash of broth and scrape gently with a wooden spoon. This trick releases all that delicious flavour and makes your stew even tastier.
• Simmering time: Don’t rush the simmering process! The stew needs time to cook slowly for the beef to become tender and for the flavours to meld.
• Mashed potatoes: Make sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot for the best texture. If you prefer your mash even creamier, you can add a little more butter or milk.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot. I love using a Dutch oven for this stew because it heats evenly and stops the bottom from burning. Plus, it’s super sturdy and perfect for simmering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan = less mess. Everything cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes to wash. (No scrubbing a mountain of pots today—hooray!)
• Leftover-friendly. Make it once, eat it twice! This stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
• Kid-approved. The sweet carrots and creamy mash are a hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s a win-win for the whole family!

Ingredients

Step-by-step Instructions

Ready to make this cosy One-Pan Beef Stew with Mash? Requires minimal prep, it makes for a delicious family meal. Let’s dive in! I’ll walk you through each step, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro. Grab your pan, and let’s get started! 

1. Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add the beef cubes and cook until slightly browned on all sides. Keep the beef in the pan.
2. Add the Veggies: Toss in the onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves (if using). Stir everything together for a couple of minutes until the onions soften.
3. Simmer the Stew: Pour in the vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After an hour, add the crushed tomatoes and let it simmer a bit longer.

4. Make the Mash: While the stew simmers, peel and cube the potatoes. Boil them until tender. Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste.
5. Serve & Save: Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves. Spoon the stew over the mash and enjoy! For leftovers, let everything cool, then store in airtight containers. Reheat the stew on the stove and the mash in the microwave.

A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Popular Add-ons

Want to make this stew even more amazing? Here are some easy and tasty extras you can try:

• Leafy greens: Toss in a couple of handfuls of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down and add a fresh, healthy touch.
• Worcestershire sauce: For a rich, savoury boost, add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce when you stir in the tomato paste. Taste and adjust if you want more—it’s a game-changer!
• Peas: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, mix in a cup of frozen peas. They’ll cook through and add a sweet, vibrant touch.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work great here! Slice them up and cook them with the onions until they’re soft and golden. They add a meaty texture and soak up all the delicious flavours.

Substitutions

• No beef? Swap it for chicken thighs (adjust cooking time to 45 minutes) or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Dairy-free mash? Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
• No fresh thyme? Dried thyme works just fine—use half the amount (1 teaspoon dried thyme instead of 2 teaspoons fresh).

Variations

• Want some heat? I like to toss in a diced chilli (like jalapeño or red chilli) or add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy vibe.
• Need more veggies? You can throw in peas, zucchini, or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!
• Out of thyme? No worries! I swap it for rosemary (1 teaspoon) or oregano (2 teaspoons) to mix things up.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store the stew and mash in separate airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stove over medium heat until piping hot. Microwave the mash in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Freezer: The stew freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove. Note: The mash doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to make it fresh when serving.
• Pro Tip: Label your containers with the date before freezing, so you know exactly how long it’s been stored. This makes meal planning a breeze!

Serving suggestions

• Baked Potato Wedges
• Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
• Turkish Bulgur Pilav
• Lebanese Rice and Broken Vermicelli
• Italian Focaccia Bread

FAQs

Related Recipes

If you’re looking for more tasty meals, try these! The rich roast pepper and chickpea stew is a comforting veggie dish, while the authentic Korean BBQ beef brings a smoky, flavorful twist to dinner. For something creamy, the tomato chicken with spinach and bell peppers is a great choice. Or, if you want to try something new, easy Turkish borek is a yummy, savoury pastry that’s easy to make!