Beef Casserole with Herb Dumplings Beef Casserole with Herb Dumplings

Beef Casserole with Herb Dumplings

A hearty beef casserole using cubes of shin or chuck steak served with herb dumplings. A great weekend dish.

prep time
20 mins

cook time
2 hours

serves
6 people

Ingredients

  • 675g lean boneless shin or chuck steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 10 small shallots, or button onions, peeled
  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 900ml good, hot beef stock
  • 3 tablespoons brandy or cognac, optional
  • 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 large sprigs fresh thyme
  • For the Herb Dumplings:

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • Pinch salt
  • 50g cold butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme or flat-leaf parsley
  • 8-10 tablespoons cold water

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C, 150°C Fan, Gas Mark 3.
  2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan, season the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes in batches until brown and transfer to a 1.7L ovenproof casserole dish.
  3. In the same pan add the shallots or onions, garlic, carrots and parsnips and
  4. cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the flour, cook for 1-2 minutes then spoon into the casserole dish.
  5. Add the stock, brandy or cognac, if used, horseradish sauce and herbs. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat. Cover and cook in the oven for 1½-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. To prepare the dumplings; put the flour and salt into a large bowl and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix together to form a smooth dough and shape into 8 medium-sized balls.
  7. 20-25 minutes before the end of the cooking time remove the casserole from the oven, adjust the seasoning, add the dumplings and return to the oven uncovered.
  8. Serve with creamy mash and braised Savoy cabbage.

Tips:

For a more traditional dumpling recipe replace the butter with beef suet.