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Mary Berry Beef Stew

Mary Berry Beef Stew
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Mary Berry Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender chunks of beef in a rich, flavorful sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this classic stew delivers melt-in-the-mouth beef and a deep, satisfying flavor that improves when made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch chunks

Vegetables

  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2–3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato purée
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 cups beef stock (plus extra if no wine used)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into even 2-inch chunks. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then dust evenly with flour to help thicken the stew later.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or casserole. Brown the beef pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing each side until golden brown. This locks in juices and builds flavor.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions, carrots, and crushed garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness to form the stew’s flavor base.
  4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato purée and cook for about a minute to remove raw taste. Add red wine if using, scraping up the browned bits from the pan to enhance depth. Pour in the beef stock and add bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Return the browned beef to the pot. Cover and let the stew simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

  • Brown in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a proper sear on beef chunks.
  • Use quality stock: A good beef stock greatly elevates the stew’s flavor.
  • Low and slow simmering: Cooking slowly ensures tender meat and a rich sauce.
  • Rest before serving: Let the stew sit for a few minutes to enhance flavor melding.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening.
  • Vegetable Variations: Add parsnips, mushrooms, or potatoes for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours with remaining ingredients.
  • Alcohol-free: Skip red wine and use extra beef stock instead.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of stock or water, avoiding microwave from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mary Berry, beef stew, comfort food, slow-cooked beef, hearty stew, classic British stew, family dinner, make-ahead meal, gluten-free option, slow cooker beef stew

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mary-berry-beef-stew/