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It’s one of those magical, misty mornings here in the south of England. Alight fog gently dips over the trees andyou really can’t see the sky for clouds. There’s a damp chill in the air and I find myself craving multiple cups of steaming hot tea. I know that my family will be looking forward to comfort food for dinner. And when it comes to comfort food, Beef and Ale Stew is a family favourite
Beef andAle Stew is a traditional British dish the whole family will love. Here in the UK, it’s one of those dishes that nearly everyone has a recipe for – often one that has been handed down from generation to generation.
One of the reasons Beef and AleStew is so popular – aside from the fact it tastes so good – is that the recipe calls forcheaper cuts of beef – chuck, braising or stewing steak. Theybecome mouth-wateringly tender with long, slow cooking. You just can’t beat that frugal and delicious combination!
What Kind of Beer Should I Use?
British ales are very different to the lager beers often enjoyed in North America. Theyare usually lower in alcohol but generally the flavour is stronger. Generally served cool, but not cold, ales arean acquired taste – but once you get used to them, they are absolutely lovely.
You can buy imported British ales in North America but there are also some absolutely delicious local artisanal ales made in many places in the world now. Of course, you need to bear in mind that the flavour of the stew varies depending on the ale you choose. You can also use Stout, another strong, dark type of beer for this recipe.
I refer to this dish as family friendly knowing it contains alcohol. While it is no longer believed that alcohol completely burns off during cooking, this dish is cooked for so long it is likely that most of it disappears. Beef and Ale Stew is widely served to children here in the UK – indeed my son ate puréed Beef and Ale Stew as a baby. I realise this may be controversial in some places, soif the alcohol content of the dish concerns you, do keep it for adults only.
Beef and Ale Stew Is A Make Ahead Marvel
Long, slow cooking mellows ale’s deeper flavours and makes Beef and Ale Stew a recipe the whole family will enjoy. Ifyou are worried that these deeper flavours might not be to your taste,try myBeef and Beer Stewfirst.It’s a lighter, but still authentic, version of this yummy recipethat uses lager beers like Coors Light, Budweiser or Labbatt’s Blue.
A great make ahead meal, Beef and AleStew tastes even better re-heated. Cool quickly, keep in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours and the flavours will develop beautifully. Reheat the stew slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little bit of hot water or beef stock to the stew to loosen the sauce a bit if necessary.
Having said that, my Beef and AleStew smells so good when it’s cooking, I rarely get away with being able to cook this dish without letting people actually eat it. In fact,I often make a double batch so we can have some the first night and more a day or two later.
What Sort of Dish Do I Need To Cook Beef and Ale Stew?
You need a large casserole with a lid or Dutch oven to make this delicious stew. I use a Le Creuset casserole like this one (affiliate link) that I have had for over 30 years. My late mother-in-law gave it to me. Le Creuset casseroles are a favourite of mine, and you can definitely pass them down the generations, but they are an investment. If money is tight, any large, heavy, lidded casserole will work very nicely.
How to Serve Beef and Ale Stew
Beef and AleStew is great for casual weekend entertaining as you can make it Friday afternoon, cool, cover and store in the fridge. Then simply reheat it thoroughly to serve for Saturday supper or Sunday dinner. Traditionally, it would be served over mashed potatoes, however I like to serve it over couscous or rice as well. A green vegetable makes a nice accompaniment.
Beef and AleStew also definitely qualifies as bowl food – the kind you eat with a spoon, sitting on the sofa on a cold evening. For a heartier meal, serve it with some crusty bread on the side.
However you serve it, I’m sureyou will find this little taste of British tradition is a real treat! I was recently at a formal event in London where the ballroom was transformed into a pub. Waiting staff walked amongst the tables, offering small portions of traditional pub food all in small portions. The selection on offer included small, easy to hold bowls containing mashed potato and beef and ale stew. I can’t stop thinking about this clever idea. I think I may borrow it for my next cocktail party.
Beef and Ale Stew – Printable Recipe
Created by: April J Harris
Beef and Ale Stew
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 4
Beef and Ale stew is frugal, warming, comforting and easy to make too! The whole family will love this traditional British favourite.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mild olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion peeled and finely chopped
- 1 pound chuck, braising or stewing steak, cut in cubes approximately 1 inch square
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 large carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and chopped in chunks about 1 inch thick
- 1 cup Ale or Stout one cup = 8 ounces
- 1 cup beef stock one cup = 8 ounces
- salt and pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C or 150°C for fan ovens).
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil or butter over medium heat in a large lidded casserole that will go from the stove to the oven (or use a large frying pan for the stove top part and then transfer the mixture to a casserole before putting it in the oven).
Gently fry the onion in the oil or melted butter, stirring often. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to prevent it browning to quickly. You just want the onion to soften.
Add the remaining oil or butter to the pan and when it has melted in, add the cubed pieces of meat. Brown the meat gently, turning it so that the red colour disappears on all sides.
Lower the heat and sprinkle the meat and onions with the flour.
Stir in the flour and cook for a moment or two.
Stir in the ale, followed by ¾ cup (175 ml) of the beef stock. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) of beef stock.
Cook for a moment or two.
If you are using a frying pan transfer the mixture very carefully to an oven safe casserole now. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Stir in the carrots, along with a good grinding of pepper.
Tuck the bay leaf in under the liquid, cover the casserole and put it in the oven. Set the timer for half an hour.
When the timer goes off, carefully remove the casserole from the oven.
Remove the lid and stir. There should be a good amount of liquid in the pan at this point. If not, add some of the remaining stock.
Cover the casserole and return it to the oven for an hour.
Remove the casserole from the oven once again.
Remove the bay leaf, being careful not to burn yourself.
Take a spoonful of the gravy and place it in a little bowl to cool.
Meanwhile, check the thickness of the gravy. If it has not thickened up, mix a tablespoon of cornflour (corn starch) with 1 tablespoon of water and then stir it into the casserole. If it is too thick (this is unlikely but it does happen sometimes), add the remaining stock.
Taste the spoonful of gravy you set aside earlier, being careful as it still may be hot. Add salt and pepper to the casserole to taste.
Cover the casserole and return it to the oven for about fifteen minutes or up to half an hour.
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest with the lid on for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve the Beef and Ale Stew garnished with the parley.
Equipment
1 large casserole with a lid I use a Le Creuset casserole dish
did you make this recipe?
Make sure to tag #apriljharris on Instagram and follow @apriljharris for more.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Beef Bourguignon The Easy Way
Short Ribs in a Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Family Favourite Chicken Recipes
Old Fashioned Vegetable and Barley Stew
Reader Interactions
Thanks for sharing this! I am going to make it for my grandma who grew up in England! Pinned!
Found you on Full Plate Thursdays!
Reply
April Harris saysHi Trisha! Thank you so much, I’m so glad you like it! I hope your Grandma loves it too. Thank you for pinning 🙂 It’s lovely to ‘meet’ you
🙂Reply
- Winnie says
It’s an elegant dish, and I’d like to make it for my husband 🙂
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- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Winnie! I hope your husband will enjoy it as much as we do 🙂
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- Daphne says
Good Evening April, We have been experiencing misty mornings here in Newcastle as well…. and like you I like nothing better than slowly cooked stews during winter time.
I look forward to trying your recipe. I love that you served it with couscous rather than mash potato…. although I do love mash potato, its nice to ring the changes.
Best Wishes
DaphneReply
- April Harris says
Good evening, Daphne! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you enjoy my Beef and Ale Stew when you try it! Have a lovely week 🙂
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- Jess says
This sounds so delicious!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Jess, and thank you for hosting too 🙂
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- Amber Harding says
I cooked this and the beef turned out so soft and mellow, it didn’t last long enough! Thanks for the truly wonderful recipe, April!Reply
- April Harris says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Amber! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂 It really is a family favourite at our house.
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Looks so comforting! I bet this will surely impress a bunch of guests!
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Florian.
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- Hadia says
Nothing beats the flavor of slow cooking stews! The Beef and Ale Stew sounds really so good. Couscous is one of my favorite grains and here is a new tasty stew to serve with it. Thank you for sharing.
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- April Harris says
I’m so glad you like the recipe, Hadia! I hope you and yours enjoy it as much as my family do 🙂
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- Miz Helen says
We will just love the flavor of your Beef and Ale Stew, it looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day.
Come Back Soon!
Miz HelenReply
- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Miz Helen! I’m so glad you like it. Wishing you a wonderful week!
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- Julie says
Hi April,
This beef stew looks so delicious. I never made this before and reminds me of my moms recipe.
Thanks for sharing the recipe to make this at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
JulieReply
- April Harris says
I’m so glad you like it, Julie! Thank you 🙂 I hope you have a lovely rest of the week too!
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April, your beef stew looks so hearty and comforting! I would love to try your recipe soon…hoping our high temperatures break here in Florida so we can enjoy it!Reply
- April Harris says
Thank you, Linda! Hope you get a chance to try it soon! Let me know what you think 🙂
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- Angela says
April, what a warm and comforting meal. I love stews and this one sounds just perfect!
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Angela 🙂
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- christine says
I love a dish like this during the colder months. We’re just getting into the cold weather here in Massachusetts so this will for sure be added to my “to make” list
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- April Harris says
I hope you and yours enjoy it as much as we do, Christine 🙂 Let me know what you think!
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Looks so hearty delicious, April!
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Nancy!
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Subscribed to your newsletter. And I totally agree, stews are better the following day. All the flavors have a chance to meld. Your stew looks scrumptious.
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- April Harris says
Thank you so much for subscribing, Patty! The first issue of the ‘new and improved’ newsletter should be coming out this week 🙂 And thank you for the compliment about the stew too!
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- Kavey says
Absolutely perfect winter comforter, I love beef and ale stew! And Pete ginds it a great excuse to get in even more beer!
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- April Harris says
I’m so glad you like it, Kavey!
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- Catherine says
Dear April, this is the ultimate hearty, comforting winter dish. I love that you added ale to your stew..sounds so good! xo, Catherine
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Catherine xo
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I’m not an ale drinker, so ale in stew took me a little while to get used to, but now it’s definitely one of my favorites! Your version sounds lovely and looks delish!
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- April Harris says
Thank you, Tracy! It can take a while to get used to different flavours, but I do love the depth and richness ale gives this stew. You might like my Beef and Beer Stew instead if you prefer lager 🙂
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- clairejustine says
Your beef and ale stew looks so tasty April, I could just try some!! Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop 🙂Reply
- April Harris says
Thank you, Claire, and thank you for hosting 🙂
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- Suchi @elegantmeraki says
I am not a beef eater but adding lamb in this perfect. A great dish for colder days!
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- April Harris says
You could definitely use lamb instead, Suchi 🙂
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- Amanda says
I would love to try this. Stews are so comforting and homey. Nothing like it for a winter meal when it is cold and perhaps wet. (Cue fireplace to light!)Reply
- April Harris says
Thank you, Amanda 🙂 This is definitely a perfect fireside meal!
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That’s a perfect dinner. Britons know how to make a good stew, that’s for sure!Reply
- April Harris says
Thank you, Igor 🙂
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- Simple nature decor says
Wow great recipe! My mouth is watering. I also want to thanks you for a great party last time I went.
MariaReply
- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Maria! Hope to see you at the party again this week. It will be starting soon 🙂
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- Marilyn Lesniak says
I have has stew on my shopping list for two weeks. It keeps getting too warm but I think the crock pot is coming out this weekend. Thanks for sharing at #OverTheMoon!
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- April Harris says
It’s starting to be stew weather here too, Marilyn. I’m so glad you like the recipe 🙂
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- Marilyn Lesniak says
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #WonderfulWednesday this week. Visit me at https://www.marilynstreats.com on Wednesday evening and to see your feature and grab your badge! All hosts choose their own features from the comments left on their blog so be sure to return to my blog for your badge. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon.
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- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Marilyn! Look forward to ‘seeing’ you at WonderfulWednesday!
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Lovely comfort food dish for chilly autumn nights…sharing!Reply
- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Linda, and thank you for sharing too!
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Nothing says comfort like a hearty beef stew. Your’s looks like my mom’s! I would be honored if you would share this at our What’s for Dinner party! http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-link-up-165/
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- April Harris says
Thank you so much, Helen, and thank you for the invitation. I will pop by later today!
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