Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe UK: Easy Homemade Meal

There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef and vegetable stew to warm you up on a chilly British evening. This classic UK comfort food brings together tender chunks of beef, fresh seasonal vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that simmers gently to perfection.

Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests with a homely dish, this stew is both satisfying and nutritious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—you can easily adapt it to whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect served with crusty bread or creamy mash, this stew is a timeless favourite that never goes out of style.

Keep reading to discover how to make this delicious beef and vegetable stew recipe, as well as helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable stew is a true UK classic that combines the best of British cooking traditions with wholesome ingredients. It’s:

• Rich and hearty: The slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the delicious juices and flavours.
• Full of fresh vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and peas add natural sweetness and texture to every bite.
• Perfect for batch cooking: Make a big pot and enjoy leftovers for days, or freeze portions for easy meals.
• Customisable: Swap in your favourite veggies or add herbs and spices to suit your taste.
• Great for all skill levels: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 800g stewing beef, cut into 2cm cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 150g frozen peas
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 700ml beef stock (preferably low salt)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and jug
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the stewing beef dry with kitchen paper. This helps to get a nice brown crust when frying.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in your saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and brown all sides for 4-5 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook gently over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.
4. Add the flour: Sprinkle the plain flour over the onions and stir well. This will help thicken the stew later.
5. Deglaze and add liquids: Stir in the tomato purée, then gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Return beef to the pot: Add the browned beef cubes back into the pan along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender.
8. Add vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and parsnips to the stew. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
9. Finish with peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a further 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve and garnish: Remove the bay leaves, ladle the stew into bowls, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer flavour, try adding a splash of red wine when deglazing the pan after browning the beef.”

• Vegetable swaps: You can easily substitute parsnips or potatoes with turnips, swede, or sweet potatoes for a different twist.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté the onions as per the recipe, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a teaspoon of cornflour with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Herb variations: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary work beautifully, but you could also add a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh sage for more depth.
• Spice it up: For a subtle warmth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a hint of chilli powder.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Crusty bread: Serve with a warm slice of crusty bread or a freshly baked baguette to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect base for ladling the stew over.
• Rice or pearl barley: For a different texture, serve the stew atop cooked rice or pearl barley.
• Side salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stew.
• Root vegetable mash: Try mashed parsnips or swede for a comforting alternative to regular mash.

Conclusion

This beef and vegetable stew is a timeless British classic that offers both comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. The tender beef combined with a medley of seasonal vegetables creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

With its straightforward preparation and adaptable ingredients, it’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. By making this stew, you’re not just creating a meal—you’re crafting memories around the dinner table.

For more delicious and wholesome recipes, why not explore some of our other favourites? Try our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for plant-based inspiration, or boost your healthy meals with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

And if you love adding a bit of spice, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to bring extra flavour to your cooking.

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