Warm, rich, and deeply satisfying, this Beef Stew with Potato Topping is the ultimate comfort meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered with aromatic vegetables and warm spices, then crowned with a golden layer of buttery potato slices — all cooked in one oven-safe skillet for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends, this rustic dish combines the soul-warming goodness of traditional stew with the crispy, comforting finish of a gratin. Serve it straight from the pan, garnished with fresh parsley, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
- 2 pounds lean beef chuck , trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
- 4 medium carrots , cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion , thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes , with juice
- 2½ pounds russet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and sliced ⅓-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- Chopped fresh parsley , for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) .
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works perfectly) over medium-high heat .
- Season the beef generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper .
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef on all sides, about 5–6 minutes per batch . Transfer the seared meat to a bowl and set aside.
🔥 Tip: Don’t rush this step — browning builds deep flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil .
- Add the carrots and onions , stirring occasionally, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, and bay leaves , and cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Add Flour and Wine
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the red wine , scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful browned bits (this is called fond — it’s flavor gold!).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juice . Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Top with Potatoes & Bake
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Arrange the potato slices in a tight spiral pattern over the stew, slightly overlapping them like flower petals.
- Brush the potatoes evenly with half of the melted butter .
- Season the top with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper .
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 1¾ hours , or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft when pierced with a knife.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Crust
- Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven (remember: the handle is HOT!).
- Preheat the broiler on high.
- Brush the potatoes with the remaining melted butter for extra richness and color.
- Broil the stew 4–6 inches from the heat for 5–7 minutes , watching closely, until the potato topping turns golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Scoop directly from the pan — layers of tender beef, savory vegetables, and creamy potatoes meld together into pure comfort.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls to soak up the rich sauce.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days , or freeze for up to 3 months .
Why This Recipe Works
✅ One-pan wonder – Less mess, more flavor
✅ Slow-baked tenderness – The low oven temperature breaks down tough beef fibers beautifully
✅ Built-in potato crust – No need for separate mashed potatoes; they’re right on top!
✅ Spice twist – Cinnamon and allspice add warmth and depth without overpowering
This Beef Stew with Potato Topping is more than just a meal — it’s a hug on a plate. It brings together bold flavors, tender textures, and old-world charm in a way that feels both luxurious and homey.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or treating yourself after a long week, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and let the oven do the work. Dinner is served — straight from the heart.
