Slow-cooked beef stew

• Diced beef (for stewing)400g
• Carrots400g
• White potatoes600g
• Brown onions150g
• Plain flour20g
• Stock cubes (12 pack)2
• Tomato puree30g
• Dried mixed herbsstore cupboard3g

Plus salt and pepper. About £4.55 for the amounts used.

Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas 4).

2. 2

   Toss 400g diced beef in 20g flour with salt and pepper. Brown in batches in a little oil in an ovenproof casserole, then remove.

3. 3

   Fry 1 chopped onion for 5 minutes, stir in 2 tbsp tomato puree, then return the beef with 400g carrots and 600g potatoes cut into chunks.

4. 4

   Add 2 stock cubes dissolved in 800ml boiling water and 1 tsp mixed herbs. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours until the beef is tender.

5. 5

   Tip: this works well in a slow cooker, on low for 7-8 hours.