Beef and ale casserole with herby dumplings

Tender chunks of beef with cheesy dumplings...you can't go wrong with this hearty stew recipe!

Serves: 6

Time to make: 2 hrs 40 mins

Hands-on time: 30 mins

Ingredients

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4 teaspoons olive oil
5 shallots, sliced
550g cubed lean beef
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons lightly dried mixed herbs (see Cook’s tip)
4 teaspoons plain flourall purpose flourX
6 portobello mushrooms, sliced
6 medium carrots, quartered and cut into chunks
1 cup Guinness or dark ale
1 cup reduced-salt beef stock
2 bay leaves

Dumplings
2 cups self-raising flour, plus 2 tablespoons for kneading
pinch of salt
5 tablespoons reduced-fat spread
2 tablespoons lightly dried mixed herbs
½ cup skim milk
⅓ cup grated parmesan
spray oil
6 cups broccoli florets, steamed, to serve

Instructions

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Preheat oven to 180°C. In an ovenproof pan or casserole dish, heat oil over medium heat and cook shallots until lightly golden. Add beef and cook until evenly browned.
Add paste, herbs and flour. Toss to coat meat evenly and cook for a further few minutes.
Add vegetables, ale, stock and bay leaves. Bring to the boil. Cover and place in oven. Cook for 1¾-2 hours, or until beef is tender.
Meanwhile, prepare dumplings. In a bowl, sieve flour and salt. Rub in spread until mix resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in mixed herbs. Add milk and parmesan with enough water to make a soft dough.
Knead for 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, roll dough to about 3-4cm thick, and use a 5cm round cutter to cut out rounds. Re-roll dough as needed. Place on a lightly floured baking tray. Spray with oil. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.
Five minutes before serving, place dumplings on top of casserole and return to oven. Serve casserole with broccoli florets.

HFG tip

Find lightly dried herbs (we used Gourmet Garden) at supermarkets in the chilled vegetable section with the herb pastes. Or use regular dried or fresh herbs.

Nutrition Info (per serve)

Calories 547 cal

Kilojoules 2290 kJ

Protein 34 g

Total fat 21 g

Saturated fat 6 g

Carbohydrates 50 g

Sugar 13 g

Dietary fibre 10 g

Sodium 480 mg

Calcium 210 mg

Iron 4 mg

Note: This nutrition analysis is a guide only. Nutrition composition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. See our guides on your optimal daily nutrition intake, and supermarket shopping.