Tender Braised Beef with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

For the braised beef

• 1½ lb beef chuck or short ribs

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

• 1 bay leaf

For the mashed potatoes

• 2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup milk or cream

• Salt, to taste

Instructions (Easy Version)

1. Brown the beef
   Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the flavor
   In the same pot, add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste if using.

3. Braise the beef
   Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2½–3 hours, until the beef is very tender.

4. Make the mashed potatoes
   While the beef cooks, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well. Mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth.

5. Serve
   Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate and top with the tender braised beef and some of the cooking juices.