750 g rump or stewing steak, cut into chunky pieces
2 tbsp plain flour (for dusting the beef)
2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
1 litre beef stock
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunky rounds
3 celery stalks, chopped into chunks
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 punnet of mushrooms (about 250 g—or more if you’re a fun-gi )
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp wholegrain or seeded mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
2 bay leaves
A few sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Optional upgrades
Use a mix of mushrooms (button, portobello, chestnut) for more depth
Add a splash of red wine (about 100 ml) with the stock for richness
A handful of frozen peas stirred in at the end adds pop and colour
Finish with fresh parsley for a bright lift
Method
Prep the beef (optional, but worth it): Toss the beef in flour until lightly coated. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat and brown the beef in batches, turning to colour all sides. This adds a deeper, richer flavour to your stew—but if time is short, skip ahead. The slow cooker’s got your back.
Chunk it like you mean it: Chop all your veg into large, hearty pieces—this is no place for dainty dice. Especially the mushrooms. Go wild. Channel your inner mushroom mage.
Assemble the magic: Add all ingredients—browned beef, veg, mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste, mustard, herbs, and stock—into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and the veg is soft but not mushy.
Final flourish: Fish out the thyme stalks and bay leaves. Give it a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve piping hot with crusty bread, creamy mash, or straight-up as is.
Chef’s Notes
Flour power: Dusting the beef helps thicken the stew naturally as it simmers.
Mushroom overload: Honestly, double the mushrooms if you love ’em—it’s your stew kingdom and you reign supreme.
Batch life: This stew is even better the next day. It also freezes like a dream.