👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan/Gas Mark 3). Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until golden on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.

   💡 Tip: Browning the beef in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, ensuring a good sear.
2. 2

   Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   💡 Tip: Sweating the vegetables builds a sweet and aromatic base for the stew.
3. 3

   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.

   💡 Tip: This step helps to thicken the gravy later.
4. 4

   Gradually pour in the beef stock and red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Return the browned beef to the pot.

   💡 Tip: Using both stock and wine adds depth of flavor to the gravy.
5. 5

   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

   💡 Tip: Slow, gentle cooking is key to tenderizing the beef.
6. 6

   While the beef is cooking, prepare the crumble topping. In a bowl, combine rolled oats, grated cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

   💡 Tip: Using cold butter ensures a crumbly texture for the topping.
7. 7

   Once the beef is tender, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce.

   💡 Tip: Adjusting the gravy consistency before adding the topping is important.
8. 8

   Spoon the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish. Evenly scatter the oatmeal and cheese crumble mixture over the top. Increase oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).

   💡 Tip: Ensure the crumble covers the beef mixture evenly for a good crust.
9. 9

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp. Let stand for a few minutes before serving hot.

   💡 Tip: Serve with a side of steamed greens or mashed potatoes.