Hearty Stewed Potatoes Recipe

Country-Style Stewed Potatoes Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Southern stewed potatoes have been a comfort food staple that brings warmth to countless dinner tables.

These tender, hearty spuds soak up rich flavors like a culinary sponge.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with simple ingredients and love.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and rustic simplicity.

The potatoes break down slowly, creating a creamy, satisfying texture that melts in your mouth.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of butter turn these humble tubers into a soul-warming side dish.

You’ll want to savor every comforting spoonful of this timeless recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Stewed Potatoes

For Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Creamy, starchy foundation that provides hearty texture and comforting flavor; choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best results.
  • Water: Essential liquid for creating tender, moist potato stew with perfect cooking consistency.
For Thickening and Creaminess:
  • Butter, Flour: Dynamic duo that creates silky, rich sauce by forming a classic roux for smooth texture.
  • Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness to the stew, enhancing overall flavor profile.
For Flavor Enhancement:
  • Bacon Grease: Optional but transformative ingredient that introduces deep, smoky undertones to the dish.
  • Onion Flakes: Subtle aromatic that provides gentle onion essence without chopping fresh onions.
  • Salt and Pepper: Critical seasoning agents that balance and elevate the entire dish's taste, allowing natural potato flavor to shine.

Cooking Tools for Classic Stewed Potatoes

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes and creating the creamy sauce, with enough space to mix ingredients comfortably.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for peeling and cubing potatoes safely.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise potato cutting and preparation.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending roux smoothly and preventing lumps in the sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and combining potatoes with sauce.
  • Colander: Needed to drain boiled potatoes quickly and efficiently.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring milk, water, and flour.

How to Make Tender, Well-Seasoned Stewed Potatoes

How to Make Tender, Well-Seasoned Stewed Potatoes
  • Potato Preparation

Grab some fresh potatoes and transform them into delightful cubes. Nestle these potato pieces into a large cooking pot, shower with cool water, and add a sprinkle of salt. Let the water dance to a boil and cook until the potatoes surrender easily to a fork’s gentle poke. Once tender, drain and set aside.

  • Flavor Foundation

In the same pot, melt butter until it whispers and shimmers. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of bacon grease for an extra flavor punch. Scatter onion flakes and dust with flour, stirring this magical mixture until it becomes a golden, fragrant base.

  • Creamy Transformation

Slowly introduce milk and water to your roux, whisking away any stubborn lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, creating a silky blanket for your potatoes.

  • Final Harmony

Return the potato cubes to their creamy bath, gently coating each piece. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your heart’s content. If the sauce seems too thick, whisper in a bit more liquid to reach your desired consistency.

  • Serving Magic

Let everything mingle and warm through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The result? A comforting potato dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Tips for Getting Stewed Potatoes Just Right

Tips for Getting Stewed Potatoes Just Right
  • Delicious Tricks for Your Stewed Potatoes
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most tender results that melt in your mouth.
  • Crisp up some extra bacon bits as a crunchy topping to add smoky depth and textural contrast to your creamy stewed potatoes.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill just before serving to bring bright, fresh notes that wake up the entire dish.
  • Stir in shredded cheddar, parmesan, or cream cheese during the final simmer for an extra luxurious and rich potato experience.
  • Store cooled stewed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of milk to restore their creamy consistency.

Serving Classic Stewed Potatoes as a Side

Serving Classic Stewed Potatoes as a Side
  • Southern Comfort Companion: Pair these creamy stewed potatoes with crispy fried chicken for a classic comfort food duo that'll remind you of family Sunday dinners.
  • Hearty Meal Enhancer: Serve alongside roasted pork chops or grilled beef steak to create a filling, satisfying meal that'll keep everyone at the table happy and full.
  • Rustic Brunch Delight: Top the stewed potatoes with a perfectly poached egg and sprinkle some fresh chives for a rustic weekend brunch that feels both homey and fancy.
  • Vegetarian Wellness Bowl: Transform the potatoes into a complete vegetarian meal by adding sautéed spinach, roasted carrots, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and nutrition.

Storing Your Homemade Stewed Potatoes

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stewed potatoes in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and delicious flavors.
  • Smart Cooling Technique: Allow potatoes to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and keeps the sauce's creamy texture intact without turning watery.
  • Optimal Storage Duration: Enjoy refrigerated stewed potatoes within 3-4 days for best taste and quality. Always use clean utensils when serving to extend shelf life and prevent contamination.
  • Reheating Magic Trick: Revive chilled potatoes by adding a splash of milk while warming slowly in a saucepan. Stir gently to restore original creamy consistency and prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
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Hearty Stewed Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Stewed Potatoes


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade stewed potatoes recipe brings comfort from Portuguese kitchens with hearty ingredients and simple preparation. Warm spices and tender potatoes promise a satisfying meal that connects families around shared culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 7 potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) butter
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) bacon grease (optional for more flavor)
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
  • 2 tbsps (15 g / 0.5 oz) flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) water
  • Onion flakes (a pinch, optional)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Dice potatoes into uniform cubes and submerge in salted cold water. Boil vigorously until fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes, then drain completely in a colander.
  2. Roux Development: Melt butter in the original pot over medium heat, incorporating optional bacon grease for robust flavor. Sprinkle dried onion flakes and flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth base, allowing the mixture to transform and develop a golden undertone.
  3. Sauce Creation: Gradually whisk milk and water into the roux, eliminating potential lumps. Simmer gently, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Final Integration: Reintroduce potato cubes into the velvety sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and thin the sauce if needed by adding small amounts of liquid.
  5. Finishing Touch: Reduce heat and allow potatoes to meld with the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently. Serve immediately as a comforting accompaniment to main dishes.

Notes

  • Potato Prep Tip: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best absorption of sauce.
  • Roux Building Secret: Constant stirring prevents flour from burning and ensures a smooth, lump-free base for the sauce.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually to develop a balanced flavor profile that enhances the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
  • Consistency Control: Add liquid slowly if sauce becomes too thick, allowing it to simmer and thicken naturally for optimal creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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