Slow cooker roast beef stew recipe
 This simple stew has a gravy-like sauce that benefits from browning the beef first, but you can also just throw everything in the slow cooker pot and it will still taste great. The Yorkshire puddings are included in the budget but are optional as they need to be cooked in an oven or air fryer, albeit only briefly. This recipe is part of a budget slow cooker meal plan for four. In March 2023, it was costed at an average total of £6.70 when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. This recipe is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store cupboard. 2 tsp vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed oil400–500g/14oz–1lb 2oz beef skirt, braising steaks or diced beef, chopped into 4–5cm/1½ –2in chunks1 onion, sliced 4 tbsp gravy granules 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard1 beef stock cube, crumbled350g/12oz carrots, peeled and cut into 2–3cm/¾–1¼in batons600g/1lb 5oz potatoes, peeled and cut into 4–5cm/1½ –2in chunks12 frozen Yorkshire puddings (optional)400g/14oz frozen peas salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed oil 400–500g/14oz–1lb 2oz beef skirt, braising steaks or diced beef, chopped into 4–5cm/1½ –2in chunks 1 onion, sliced 4 tbsp gravy granules 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 beef stock cube, crumbled 350g/12oz carrots, peeled and cut into 2–3cm/¾–1¼in batons 600g/1lb 5oz potatoes, peeled and cut into 4–5cm/1½ –2in chunks 12 frozen Yorkshire puddings (optional) 400g/14oz frozen peas salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a heavy-based frying pan. Divide the beef into two batches and add the first batch to the pan. Turn the beef to sear and colour on all sides to a rich, dark brown. Transfer the browned chunks straight to the slow cooker pot. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef.Add the onion, gravy granules, mustard and stock cube to the pot and pour in 550ml/1 pint water. Give everything a quick stir, then add the carrots and potatoes. Cover with the lid and cook for 7 hours on low. Stir once during cooking, if you are at home, to rotate the meaty chunks sitting on the top. Meanwhile, cook the Yorkshire puddings (if using) according to packet instructions or in an air fryer at 190C for 4 minutes. Steam, microwave or boil the peas for 3–4 minutes until cooked. Season the stew with salt and pepper. Ladle portions of the stew onto plates and top with the Yorkshire puddings. Serve the green peas alongside. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a heavy-based frying pan. Divide the beef into two batches and add the first batch to the pan. Turn the beef to sear and colour on all sides to a rich, dark brown. Transfer the browned chunks straight to the slow cooker pot. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a heavy-based frying pan. Divide the beef into two batches and add the first batch to the pan. Turn the beef to sear and colour on all sides to a rich, dark brown. Transfer the browned chunks straight to the slow cooker pot. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Add the onion, gravy granules, mustard and stock cube to the pot and pour in 550ml/1 pint water. Give everything a quick stir, then add the carrots and potatoes. Cover with the lid and cook for 7 hours on low. Stir once during cooking, if you are at home, to rotate the meaty chunks sitting on the top. Add the onion, gravy granules, mustard and stock cube to the pot and pour in 550ml/1 pint water. Give everything a quick stir, then add the carrots and potatoes. Cover with the lid and cook for 7 hours on low. Stir once during cooking, if you are at home, to rotate the meaty chunks sitting on the top. Meanwhile, cook the Yorkshire puddings (if using) according to packet instructions or in an air fryer at 190C for 4 minutes. Steam, microwave or boil the peas for 3–4 minutes until cooked. Meanwhile, cook the Yorkshire puddings (if using) according to packet instructions or in an air fryer at 190C for 4 minutes. Steam, microwave or boil the peas for 3–4 minutes until cooked. Season the stew with salt and pepper. Ladle portions of the stew onto plates and top with the Yorkshire puddings. Serve the green peas alongside. Season the stew with salt and pepper. Ladle portions of the stew onto plates and top with the Yorkshire puddings. Serve the green peas alongside. Recipe tips Any leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. For ease, you can simply stir the peas through the stew in the slow cooker pot and cook on low for a final 10 minutes instead of serving them seperately.