Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty beef stew slow-cooked with rich ale and tender root vegetables, inspired by the comforting meals savored after a ferry journey. This British-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 175 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large (1 cup) onion, diced
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dark ale
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour seasoned lightly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped parsnips, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Step 5: Return beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup dark ale. Add 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black pepper, and remaining 1 tsp salt.
- Step 6: Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving this warming stew inspired by the long ferry crossings at the Isle of Wight.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Red Funnel-Inspired Beef and Ale Stew with Root Vegetables?
British beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
