When the crisp air settles in and comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like this Beef Stew with Potato Topping. This dish is a warm embrace on a cold evening, combining tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce and topped with thinly sliced golden potatoes arranged in a beautiful circular pattern. The result? A dish that not only tastes like home but looks like it belongs on a rustic bistro menu.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty sauce, and crispy-edged, buttery potatoes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ideal for feeding a family or impressing guests without much fuss. From weeknight dinners to Sunday suppers, this stew is pure comfort in every sense.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew with Potato Topping

This isn’t your average stew. The stunning potato topping gives it a polished look and adds both flavor and texture. It’s hearty enough for a main course but elegant enough to bring to a gathering. Slow-cooked richness, minimal prep, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers are just the beginning.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes are best here. They hold their shape while cooking and develop a lovely crisp edge when layered on top. If you’re in a pinch, Russets can work too, but they may break down more in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Beef Stew with Potato Topping

A great dish starts with great ingredients. Here’s what makes this stew shine:

Beef chuck roast – Rich in flavor and perfect for slow cooking until fork-tender.

Yellow onions – Sliced and caramelized slightly to add sweetness and depth.

Garlic cloves – A bold aromatic base that infuses the stew with savory flavor.

Tomato paste – Adds body and umami to the sauce.

Beef broth – The foundation of the stew, bringing richness and moisture.

Worcestershire sauce – For tangy, umami complexity.

Bay leaf + thyme – Classic stew herbs that elevate the flavor.

Yukon Gold potatoes – Thinly sliced and layered on top for that stunning finish.

Olive oil + butter – Used to sear the beef and crisp the potatoes to golden perfection.

Salt & black pepper – Essential seasoning.

How To Make the Beef Stew with Potato Topping

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add sliced onions and a bit of butter. Sauté until softened, then add garlic and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant and caramelized.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pan. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Potato Topping

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in a circular pattern on top of the stew. Brush with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and tender. Broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness, if desired.

How to Serve and Store Beef Stew with Potato Topping

This dish feeds 4 to 6 people generously and is perfect served hot straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy potato top. It also freezes well before adding the potato layer.

What to Serve With Beef Stew with Potato Topping?

Crusty Bread

Ideal for soaking up the rich stew sauce.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the deep beefy base.

Apple Walnut Salad

A crisp, fresh counterbalance to the hearty stew.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright and snappy greens keep the plate lively.

Red Wine or Malbec

A bold, dry red complements the dish’s robust flavors.

Creamed Spinach

Silky, cheesy greens that add comfort on the side.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy, crunchy bites add contrast and cleanse the palate.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you’re drawn to this rich and comforting stew, you might love these satisfying mains:

Crockpot Swiss Steaks for a hands-off dinner with big flavor.
Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a cheesy, family-approved winner.
Ground Beef Stroganoff with a creamy twist on a classic.
Creamy Beef and Shells if you crave pasta in a rich meat sauce.
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce for a fast yet flavorful weeknight dinner.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra herbs? Maybe sneak in some carrots or peas?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better every day.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and hearty meals on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next cozy favorite!

Beef Stew with Potato Topping

Author: Nora
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cozy, rich, and downright irresistible, this Beef Stew with Potato Topping is the ultimate comfort food. Slow-simmered beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a savory tomato-based sauce with hints of garlic, onion, and herbs. The crowning layer of golden, buttery Yukon Gold potato slices bakes into a crisp, beautiful topping that makes this dish as stunning as it is hearty. Perfect for Sunday dinner, easy weeknight meals, or whenever you need soul-warming food ideas, this one-pan wonder fits right into the lineup of quick dinners, easy recipes, and comforting dinner ideas that never fail.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Season beef with salt and pepper and sear in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add onions and butter to the same pan. Cook until softened, then stir in garlic and tomato paste until fragrant.

3. Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, until beef is fork-tender.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sliced potatoes in a circular pattern over the stew. Brush with melted butter, season with salt.

5. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until potatoes are golden. Broil for 3–5 minutes for crispiness if desired.