Braised Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

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Braised Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2½–3 hours

Ingredients

For the Braised Beef

  • 1.5 kg beef chuck or blade roast (cut into large chunks)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 celery stalks (optional, chopped)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, replace with stock)
  • 2 bay leaves

For the Mashed Potatoes

  • 1 kg potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Gravy

  • Pan juices from the beef
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C / 325°F.
  2. Season beef with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
  3. Heat oil in a heavy ovenproof pot or Dutch oven.
  4. Sear beef on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Braise

  1. In the same pot, sauté onions until softened.
  2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery; cook 2–3 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
  4. Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits.
  5. Add beef stock and bay leaves.

Step 3: Braise

  1. Return beef to the pot.
  2. Cover and transfer to oven.
  3. Braise for 2½–3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
  2. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Keep warm.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

  1. Remove beef from pot and keep warm.
  2. Simmer pan juices on stovetop.
  3. For thicker gravy, melt butter in a pan, stir in flour, then whisk in braising liquid.
  4. Simmer until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Serve

  • Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates.
  • Top with tender braised beef.
  • Generously drizzle with rich gravy.

Tips for Success

✔ Don’t rush the braise—slow cooking equals tender beef
✔ Sear well for maximum flavor
✔ Taste gravy before serving and adjust seasoning

Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed green beans or peas
  • Roasted carrots
  • Crusty bread to soak up the gravy 🥖

Why This Dish Works

The slow-braised beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy create the ultimate comfort meal—simple, timeless, and deeply satisfying.

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