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Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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

Find it online: https://britishrecipeshub.co.uk/hairy-bikers-beef-stew/