Budget Beef Stew

This comforting Budget Beef Stew transforms inexpensive cuts of beef and everyday vegetables into a rich, hearty meal full of depth and flavour. Slow cooking allows the meat to become beautifully tender while the vegetables create a naturally sweet and savoury base. Budget Beef Stew is the perfect dish for cold days, filling the house with warmth and aroma while staying wonderfully budget friendly.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 15

Servings Portions

Ingredients

800 g stewing beef or braising beefcut into chunks
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion chopped
2 large carrots chopped
2 large parsnips chopped
2 sticks celery sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
400 g chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp dried thyme
2 leaves bay
750 ml beef stock
150 g frozen peas
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides.
2 tbsp vegetable oil, 800 g stewing beef
Remove and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, parsnips and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
1 large onion, 2 large carrots, 2 large parsnips, 2 sticks celery
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2 cloves garlic
Add the beef back to the pot along with the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, thyme and bay leaves.
400 g chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato purée, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 leaves bay
Season lightly.
salt, black pepper
Pour in the beef stock, stir, and bring to a simmer.
750 ml beef stock
Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and cook for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

Oven Cooked:

Alternatively, place the covered pot in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for the same length of time.*
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving your tasty budget beef stew.
150 g frozen peas

Notes

Tips for Budget Beef Stew:

Brown the beef properly: Take your time when browning—it adds deep, rich flavour that elevates the whole stew.

Don’t rush the cooking: Cheaper cuts need slow, gentle heat to become tender; the longer, the better.

Add peas at the end: This keeps them bright and sweet rather than mushy.

Taste and adjust: A pinch of salt, black pepper or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce at the end can really bring the flavours to life.

Let it rest: Like many stews, budget beef stew tastes even better after sitting for 10 minutes—or even the next day!

Nutrition