Muffin-topped winter beef stew#

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For the stew

• 500g braising steaks, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned with pepper and a little salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 450g carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 large parsnips, cut into chunks
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp sundried or regular tomato paste
• 300ml red wine or extra stock
• 450ml vegetable stock
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  Cooking time

  Prep: 20 mins Cook: 2 hrs, 30 mins

  Skill level

  Easy

  Servings

  Serves 2 adults and 2-3 children
  
  

  Method

  1. Heat oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Toss the beef in seasoned flour. Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole. Fry the beef over a high heat until browned all over – it’s easiest to do this in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Add 2 tbsp water and the onion to the pan, stir well over a medium heat, scraping up the crusty bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat and fry gently for 10 mins, stirring occasionally until the onions have softened.
  3. Tip in the carrots, parsnips and bay leaf, then fry for 2 mins more. Return the beef to the pan, stir in the tomato paste, wine if using, and stock, then bring to the boil. Cover and cook in the oven for 1¾-2 hrs until the meat is tender. Can be made up to 2 days ahead or frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge  before topping and baking. Take out of the oven and increase the temperature to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5.
  4. To make the topping, sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add half the cheese. Mix olive oil and milk, then stir into the flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough. Add more milk, if necessary. Spoon the dough over the meat and vegetables, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for about 15 mins until golden, risen and cooked through.