Stew withmince beef

Mince beef stew hit the spot for the Carrickfergus Cookery School class at the YMCA last week when I paid them a visit for a cookery demonstration.

Loaded with vegetables and made with mince beef it wont break the bank either.

It really is just the thing to warm the whole family now that the nights are turning decidenly chilly.

Try it with a good squeeze of brown sauce!

Mince beef stew

Prep: 15min

Cook: 55min

Serves: 4

Ingredients

You will need:

500g lean beef mince

1 onion, peeled and chopped

4 carrots, peeled and chopped

8 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 parsnip, peeled and chopped

1⁄2 small turnip, peeled and diced (optional)

salt and pepper

1 litre water

1 beef stock cube

2 tablespoons beef gravy granules (optional, or use 1 dessertspoon Bisto powder dissolved in a little cold water.)

Method

1. Break up the mince in a large deep pot and cook in its own juice until brown then add chopped onion, carrots, parsnips and turnip if using. Season well and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes before adding the potatoes.

2. Dissolve the stock cube in 1 litre of boiling water and pour over the mince and vegetables.

3. Leave to simmer on the stove for 40 minutes, check the seasoning then add gravy granules if using and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

COOKS’ TIP: Try adding chopped leek or celery for extra flavour.