Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

Hairy Bikers’ Beef Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a flavorful gravy. Slow-cooked to perfection, this classic British stew is packed with deep flavors, making it the perfect meal for cold days or family gatherings.

What Is Hairy Bikers Beef Stew?

Hairy Bikers’ Beef Stew is a traditional British slow-cooked dish featuring chunks of beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, and a thick, savory gravy. Cooked gently over a few hours, this stew allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become melt-in-the-mouth tender.

Other Popular Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese
• Gordon Ramsay Butter Chicken
• Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie
• Mary Berry Cheese Scones

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Slow-cooked for maximum flavor – develops deep, rich taste.
• Tender, fall-apart beef – cooked until perfectly soft.
• Thick and hearty gravy – perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
• Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day.
• Great for batch cooking – can be frozen for later use.

Ingredients Needed for Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

For the Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 900g stewing beef (chuck or braising steak, cut into chunks)
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 500ml beef stock
• 250ml red wine (or extra beef stock)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 2 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Crusty bread or mashed potatoes

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large casserole dish or Dutch oven
• Frying pan (if browning beef separately)
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and knife

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat.
• Toss the beef chunks in flour, then shake off the excess.
• Add the beef to the pan and brown on all sides for 4-5 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.
• Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

• Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

• Return the browned beef to the pot.
• Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

• After 1 hour, add the diced potatoes.
• Continue simmering for another 30-45 minutes, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.

Step 6: Season and Serve

• Remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning, adding salt and black pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or dumplings.

What to Serve With Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery for a comforting pairing.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
• Steamed greens: A fresh contrast to the hearty stew.
• Dumplings: A traditional addition for extra heartiness.
• Roasted root vegetables: Complements the deep flavors of the stew.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew

• Use the right cut of beef: Chuck steak or braising steak works best for tenderness.
• Brown the beef properly: Creates a deep, rich flavor in the stew.
• Simmer low and slow: Cooking on low heat for at least 1½ to 2 hours ensures tender beef.
• Add potatoes later: Prevent them from turning mushy.
• Use fresh herbs if possible: They enhance the flavor of the stew.

What Are Variations of Hairy Bikers Beef Stew?

• Guinness Beef Stew: Replace red wine with Guinness beer for a deeper taste.
• Vegetable Beef Stew: Add parsnips, mushrooms, or peas for extra texture.
• Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for warmth.
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours for an easy version.
• Gluten-Free Beef Stew: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.

How Do I Store Hairy Bikers Beef Stew?

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Let the stew cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on the stovetop: Simmer gently until heated through, adding a little stock if needed.

How Can I Reheat Beef Stew Without Drying It Out?

• Stovetop method: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or stock if too thick.
• Microwave method: Heat in short 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
• Oven method: Cover with foil and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes.

How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

• Use lean beef cuts: Trim excess fat before cooking.
• Reduce butter or oil: Use less oil for sautéing.
• Add extra vegetables: Increase fiber by adding more carrots, mushrooms, or peas.
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes: A lower glycemic index option.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g

FAQs

How Do I Make Beef Stew Meat More Tender?

For tender beef, use a slow-cooking method and allow the stew to simmer for at least 1½ to 2 hours. Choosing the right cut, like chuck steak or braising steak, and cooking it on low heat helps break down the connective tissues for a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Can I Make Beef Stew Without Wine?

Yes, you can replace red wine with extra beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor. If you want a slight sweetness, a bit of Worcestershire sauce or tomato purée can also enhance the taste.

How Do I Thicken Beef Stew?

To thicken the gravy, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in. Alternatively, mash a few potatoes or carrots to naturally thicken the sauce.

Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, to make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Final Words

Hairy Bikers’ Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for cold days. Slow-cooked until the beef is melt-in-the-mouth tender, this stew pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, bread, or dumplings. Try this classic British recipe today and enjoy a rich, warming meal with family and friends!

Print