Stewed British Beef and Ale with Root Vegetables
A hearty British stew combining tender beef chunks simmered with ale and earthy root vegetables for a rich, comforting meal. This british-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, large onion, diced 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 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz British ale
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 pounds beef chuck cubes in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply golden on all sides, then set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced parsnips to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 12 oz British ale and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the pot along with 2 cups beef broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Season with an additional 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed British Beef and Ale with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Stewed British Beef and Ale 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 Stewed British Beef and Ale 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 Stewed British Beef and Ale 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 Stewed British Beef and Ale 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.
