Mary Berry's hearty one-pot beef stew is celebrated for being 'full of flavour' and remarkably straightforward to prepare, requiring just five simple steps. This dish has earned a reputation as a real crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and comforting meal that is incredibly easy to make with only 30 minutes of prep time.
Elevating an Everyday Dish
Mary Berry's approach to crafting beef stew transforms it from a mundane everyday dish into something truly special and memorable. The secret to its success lies in her meticulous layering of flavours and her emphasis on cooking methods that ensure succulent meat and a rich, complex taste in every single mouthful.
A Formula for Richness and Complexity
This casserole stands out from the ordinary, thanks to Mary's carefully curated formula. It calls for premium braising steak, fresh vegetables, and a clever combination of herbs and spices that work in perfect harmony to create depth and sophistication. The result is a stew that manages to be both reassuringly familiar and distinctively unique at the same time.
With merely 30 minutes of preparation and just five straightforward stages, you can have a bubbling pot of this delightful stew ready in no time. On the BBC Food website, the recipe is described as a 'warming beef stew flavoured with ginger, paprika and horseradish,' highlighting its aromatic and piquant profile.
Perfect Pairings and Ingredients
Mary Berry has suggested that this beef casserole pairs 'lovely' with dauphinoise potatoes and green vegetables, making it an ideal centrepiece for a hearty family dinner or a cosy gathering with friends.
The ingredients list is both accessible and precise, ensuring home cooks can replicate the dish with ease:
- 750g of braising steak, diced
- 425ml of beef stock
- 40g of plain flour
- 25g of butter
- Two leeks, finely sliced
- One celeriac, peeled
- Two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- Two tablespoons of paprika
- Two tablespoons of hot horseradish cream
- One tablespoon of ground ginger
- One tablespoon of sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to season
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these five clear steps to create Mary Berry's flavourful beef stew:
- Begin by warming the oil in a large ovenproof pan and sear the meat over high heat until golden all over. Lift out with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 160C/140C Fan/Gas Mark 3.
- Add the butter and leeks to the unwashed pan, and sauté for a few minutes. Scatter in the ginger, paprika, and flour, stir and cook for a minute. Mix in the stock and bring to the boil, stirring until thickened. Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the meat to the pan, bring to the boil, cover with a lid, and simmer for a few minutes. Then, place in the oven and cook for approximately one hour and 45 minutes to two hours.
- Once done, add the celeriac, bring back to the boil for a few minutes, then put back in the oven for roughly 30 minutes, until both the meat and celeriac are soft. Finally, mix in the horseradish cream, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
This recipe not only delivers on taste but also on convenience, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking. Embrace the warmth and flavour of Mary Berry's culinary expertise with this standout beef stew.
