Do you love a hearty and comforting beef stew? If so, you will love this recipe from the Hairy Bikers, the popular British TV chefs and authors. This beef stew is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. It is perfect for a cold winter day or a cozy family dinner.
In this article, I will show you how to make the Hairy Bikers beef stew recipe step by step. I will also share some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious and satisfying.
Let’s get started!
What is Hairy Bikers Beef Stew Recipe?
Hairy Bikers beef stew is a traditional British dish that is made with beef, onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and a rich sauce flavored with red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
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Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love this recipe, such as:
- Simple and Easy: The process is straightforward. Brown the beef, sauté onions and garlic add stock and wine, and let the oven do the rest. With minimal steps, this recipe is suitable for cooks of all levels.
- Rich and Fulfilling: Every bite offers tender beef and soft vegetables, immersed in a flavorful sauce. It’s a hearty one-pot meal that promises both warmth and satisfaction.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your taste. Choose from various beef cuts and wines, and experiment with vegetable options. The recipe also allows adjustments in spiciness and sauce thickness.
- Cost-Effective: This stew is economical, using affordable cuts like chuck or brisket. Incorporate seasonal vegetables for an even more budget-friendly meal.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins from beef, and rich in fiber and vitamins from vegetables, it’s a health-conscious choice. Opt for lean cuts to reduce fat content.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
To make hairy bikers beef stew, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3 lb) Beef Chuck Steak: Cut into large chunks. Alternatively, you can use brisket, shin, or shoulder for stewing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the beef.
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil: For browning the beef.
- 2 Large Onions: Peeled and chopped. Shallots or leeks can be used as a milder alternative.
- 4 Garlic Cloves: Peeled and crushed. Garlic paste or powder can be used instead.
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour: To thicken the sauce.
- 500 ml (2 cups) Beef Stock: To add flavor and moisture. Homemade or store-bought stock or water with a beef stock cube or bouillon can be used.
- 250 ml (1 cup) Red Wine: Any dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz. Substitute with additional beef stock or water if preferred.
- 2 Bay Leaves: For a subtle herbal aroma. Dried thyme, rosemary, or sage are suitable alternatives.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Adds color and sweetness to the sauce. Ketchup or tomato sauce can be substituted.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: For a tangy and savory flavor. Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or brown sauce are possible alternatives.
- 4 Large Carrots: Peeled and cut into chunks. Parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes can be used for different flavors and textures.
- 4 Large Potatoes: Peeled and cut into chunks. Other potato varieties like red, yellow, or purple are also suitable.
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley: For garnishing. Cilantro, basil, or chives can also be used.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Beef Stew Recipe
To make this beef stew, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4).
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over high heat.
- Add the beef chunks in batches and brown them on all sides, turning them with a spatula or tongs. This will take about 10 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of brown.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and garlic to the same casserole dish. You may need to add a little more oil if the pan is too dry.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the onions are soft and golden. You can add a splash of water if the pan gets too dry or starts to burn.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes, or until the flour is well combined and slightly toasted.
Step 3: Add the Stock, Wine, and Seasonings
- Gradually stir in the beef stock and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add more flavor to the sauce.
- Add the bay leaves, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Return the beef chunks and any juices to the casserole dish and stir well to coat them with the sauce.
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened.
Step 4: Add the Carrots and Potatoes
- After 2 hours, remove the casserole dish from the oven and stir in the carrots and potatoes. Make sure they are submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
- Cover the casserole dish again and return it to the oven. Bake for another 45 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are cooked through and soft.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can uncover the casserole dish and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced to your liking.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more stock or water and stir well to thin it out.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and discard the bay leaves.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the stew and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or noodles.
- Enjoy your delicious and hearty Hairy Bikers beef stew!
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Beef Stew?
Hairy Bikers beef stew is a hearty and filling dish that can be enjoyed on its own, or with some side dishes to make it even more delicious and satisfying.
Some of the best side dishes to serve with Hairy Bikers beef stew are:
- Crusty Bread: Choose from sourdough, baguette, ciabatta, or whole wheat to complement the stew’s rich sauce.
- Rice Varieties: Serve with white, brown, basmati, or jasmine rice for an added layer of texture and heartiness.
- Noodle Options: Incorporate egg, wheat, rice, or soba noodles for an enjoyable slurp and extra substance.
- Mashed Potatoes: A side of mashed potatoes, seasoned with butter, milk, and spices, adds creaminess and balances the stew’s richness.
- Fresh Salad: Lighten the meal with a green salad, featuring lettuce, spinach, or other leafy greens, dressed in a simple vinaigrette or lemon dressing.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
Here are some pro tips to make perfect Hairy Bikers beef stew:
- Optimal Cookware Selection: Use a sizable ovenproof casserole dish with a snug lid to ensure uniform cooking and to keep the sauce from drying.
- Meat Seasoning: Generously season beef with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor and to form a delicious crust.
- Batch Browning: Brown the beef in batches at high heat for sealed-in juices and richer flavor.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Cook onions and garlic at medium heat until they are soft and golden, unlocking their sweetness and aroma.
- Flouring for Thickness: Dust the cooked onions and garlic with flour and cook briefly, ensuring a lump-free, thickened sauce.
- Deglazing: Slowly add beef stock and wine, scraping up browned bits for an extra depth of flavor and moisture.
- Flavor Integration: Include bay leaves, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a boil for a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Sauce Coating: Reintroduce the beef and its juices to the dish, stirring well for an even coating of sauce.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and oven-bake for 2 hours until the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Late Vegetable Addition: Add carrots and potatoes in the final 45 minutes to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
- Sauce Consistency Adjustment: Uncover to reduce and thicken a thin sauce, or add stock or water to thin out a thick sauce.
- Final Touch: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
You can make some variations of Hairy Bikers beef stew by changing some of the ingredients or adding some new ones.
Here are some ideas:
- Spicy and Smoky: Incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce for heat. Smoked paprika or cumin can add a smoky undertone.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Enrich the stew with cream, sour cream, or various cheeses like cream cheese, blue cheese, or cheddar for a creamy twist.
- Fruity and Tangy: Mix in dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or fresh fruits such as apples or oranges for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Herbal and Aromatic: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage enhance the aroma, while lemon zest or ginger adds a zesty kick.
- Nutty and Crunchy: Add nuts like almonds or seeds like sesame for a unique crunch and nutty flavor.
How do I Store Hairy Bikers Beef Stew Leftovers?
You can store Hairy Bikers beef stew leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Here are some tips to store them properly:
- Cooling Down: Let the stew cool to room temperature before storage, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
- Portioning: Divide into smaller, manageable portions, and label each with the date and contents for easy future identification.
- Space for Expansion: In the chosen container, leave some space to accommodate expansion, especially important for freezing.
- Airtight Storage: Use an airtight container to lock in freshness and place it in the coldest part of your fridge or freezer for optimal preservation.
How do I Reheat Hairy Bikers Beef Stew Leftovers?
You can reheat Hairy Bikers beef stew leftovers in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly. You may need to add a little more stock or water to thin out the sauce if it is too thick.
Here are some tips to reheat them properly:
- Thawing Process: If frozen, thaw the stew in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting for even heating.
- Reheating Method: Warm the stew in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it is thoroughly heated and bubbly.
- Sauce Adjustment: If the sauce is too thick, dilute it with a bit more stock or water. Conversely, simmer a bit longer to thicken an overly thin sauce.
- Batch Reheating: Reheat in small quantities to maintain the quality of the meat and vegetables and avoid overcooking.
- Flavor Enhancement: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add extra herbs, spices, or a pinch of salt and pepper to rejuvenate flavors.
Nutrition value:
One serving of Hairy Bikers beef stew (about 1.5 kg of beef chuck steak, cut into large chunks) has the following nutritional value:
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 kcal | 120 g | 80 g | 40 g |
Final Words
Hairy Bikers beef stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cold winter day or a cozy family dinner. It is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, with tender and juicy beef, soft and flavorful vegetables, and a rich and savory sauce. It is also versatile, adaptable, budget-friendly, economical, healthy, and nutritious. You can make it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker, and enjoy it with crusty bread, rice, or noodles.
Notes
Prep time: The prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes. You will need to season and brown the beef, cook the onions and garlic, add the stock, wine, and seasonings, and bake in the oven. Then, you will need to add the carrots and potatoes and bake some more. Cooking time: The cooking time for this recipe is about 2 hours. You will need to bake the stew in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened.