Mary Berry Beef Stew Recipe

Mary Berry’s Beef Stew is a rich, hearty dish packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this classic comfort food is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Whether served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered greens, this stew delivers warmth and deep flavor in every bite.

What is Mary Berry Beef Stew?

Mary Berry’s Beef Stew is a traditional slow-cooked dish made with succulent beef chunks, onions, carrots, and a rich, well-seasoned gravy. This recipe emphasizes simplicity while ensuring deep, well-developed flavors through slow cooking.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Smoked Haddock Lasagne
• Mary Berry Irish Stew
• Mary Berry Cheese Fondue
• Jamie Oliver Game Casserole

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and comforting: A perfect winter dish packed with deep flavors.
• Tender beef: Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Simple ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples for an easy yet delicious meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better the next day.
• One-pot cooking: Easy preparation with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Beef Stew

For the Stew:

• 800g stewing beef (such as chuck or braising steak), cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 200g mushrooms (quartered)
• 500ml beef stock
• 250ml red wine (or extra beef stock)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Buttered greens

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large casserole dish or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the beef.
Season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper. Toss in flour until evenly coated.

Step 2: Brown the beef.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze the pan.
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add liquids and seasonings.
Return the browned beef to the pan. Stir in the beef stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow cook the stew.
Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Adjust seasoning and serve.
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Beef Stew

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the gravy.
• Crusty bread: Great for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Steamed greens: Broccoli, kale, or green beans for a fresh contrast.
• Roasted root vegetables: Adds sweetness and texture to the meal.
• Yorkshire puddings: A classic British pairing with beef stew.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew

• Use the right cut: Chuck or braising steak works best for slow cooking.
• Brown the beef well: Searing the meat adds depth of flavor.
• Cook low and slow: Ensures tender beef and rich sauce.
• Deglaze for extra flavor: Scrape the pan after adding wine or stock for a deeper taste.
• Thicken the sauce: If needed, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in before serving.

What are Variations of Mary Berry Beef Stew?

• Add potatoes: Include diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
• Spicy version: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for warmth.
• Herb-infused: Use rosemary or bay leaves for extra aroma.
• Guinness stew: Replace red wine with Guinness for a richer taste.
• Vegetable-heavy: Add parsnips, turnips, or bell peppers for variety.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Beef Stew?

• Refrigerate in an airtight container: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.

How Can I Reheat Beef Stew Without Losing Flavor?

• Stovetop method: Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave method: Reheat in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Oven method: Warm in a covered dish at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes.

How Can I Make Beef Stew Healthier?

• Use lean beef: Trim excess fat from the meat.
• Reduce salt: Opt for low-sodium beef stock.
• Increase vegetables: Add extra carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
• Use whole wheat flour: A healthier alternative for thickening.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g

FAQs

What Is the Best Cut of Beef for Stew?

The best cut of beef for stew is chuck steak or braising steak, as these cuts have enough marbling to break down and become tender during slow cooking. Other good options include shin, brisket, or short ribs.

How Do You Thicken Beef Stew?

To thicken beef stew, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew, simmering until thickened. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables and stir them back into the sauce for a natural thickening effect.

Can I Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, beef stew can be made in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

How Long Does Beef Stew Last in the Fridge?

Beef stew lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it gently before serving.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, warming, and full of deep, savory flavors.

Try it today and enjoy a classic British stew made to perfection!

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