Hearty Potato Stew (Cozy, Budget-Friendly & Comforting)

This Hearty Potato Stew is rich, cozy, and deeply comforting — made with tender potatoes, vegetables, and a savory broth that slowly simmers into a satisfying one-pot meal. It’s perfect for chilly nights, simple family dinners, or anyone craving wholesome comfort food made with everyday ingredients. If you love cozy soups and stews, serve this alongside Beef & Mushroom Stew, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, or a slice of Best Homemade Italian Bread for a comforting, complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This

• Uses affordable, globally accessible ingredients

• Naturally filling without being heavy

• Easy to customize with or without meat

• Ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers

• Comforting, familiar flavors that appeal worldwide

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~320 per serving

• Protein: 7 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Carbohydrates: 50 g

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sodium: varies depending on the broth used

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)

• 1 large onion, diced (about 200 g)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced (about 200 g)

• 2 celery stalks, sliced (about 120 g)

• 2 lb potatoes, peeled and diced (900 g)

• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g), adjust to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2 g)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2 g)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1 g)

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (0.5 g)

• 4 cups broth, vegetable or chicken (960 ml)

• 1 cup milk or cream, optional (240 ml)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, optional (15 g)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

2. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables.

4. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. For a thicker stew, whisk the flour into the milk or cream, then stir it into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Add cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken for extra protein

• Mash a few potatoes directly in the pot to thicken naturally

• Swap half the potatoes for sweet potatoes for added depth

• Use dairy-free milk or omit cream for a lighter, broth-based stew

• Stir in peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes for color

Make-Ahead & Storage

This stew stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan? Yes. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free milk, or skip the cream entirely.

Which potatoes work best? Yukon Gold or russet potatoes hold their shape while creating a naturally creamy texture.

Can I freeze potato stew? You can freeze it, but the potatoes may soften slightly once thawed. Stir well after reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Potato Stew is the kind of meal that feels familiar no matter where you’re cooking from. Simple ingredients, gentle seasoning, and slow simmering create a cozy dish that’s filling, comforting, and endlessly adaptable — exactly the kind of recipe that brings people back to the table.