One of the most versatile foods on the market, beef is available in different cuts throughout the year, ranging in texture, tenderness and fat content, making it easily suited to each individual’s needs.

Due to its excellent source of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus it is considered a natural multivitamin.

In a single three-ounce serving, beef can provide over 10 percent of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) for nine essential nutrients.

Below is a small selection of those nutrients as well as short explanation as to what they can offer you and your family:

Protein: Helps build a strong and muscular body.

Zinc: Helps to promote a healthy immune system & heal wounds.

Phosphorus: A necessary nutrient for strong teeth and bones.

Iron: Helps carry oxygen in the blood to cells and muscles preventing fatigue and keep us alert.

B-Complex Vitamins: (Including Vitamin B12, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Riboflavin) All of these nutrients help release energy from food in a way that we need.

Winter Beef Recipes

With the weather not looking to get any warmer anytime soon, it’s time to batten down the hatches, get the oven on and find some delicious winter beef recipes to enjoy with the family.

Below we look to a simple and classic beef recipe, ideal for keeping you and your family warm and full in the winter months.

Winter Beef Stew

To start, collect your ingredients:

1.5kg. chuck or blade steak (Occasionally known as 'shoulder')

60g. plain flour

2 teaspoons paprika

400g tin tomatoes

1 glass red or white wine

2 onions, diced

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 celery stick, finely sliced

3 medium potatoes cut into large chunks

Method

Let’s get cooking.

Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C.

Either grab a plastic re-sealable bag if you have one, or use a bowl to coat the beef in the flour. Shake the bag with the two ingredients in, or toss in the bowl.

Place the coated beef into hot oil in a heavy casserole dish on the stove and brown the meat in batches.

Blend the tin of tomatoes and pour over the browned meat. At this point, simply stir in the remaining ingredients and cover with a piece of baking paper, covering with the lid.

Leave to bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.

Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste.

About the Author: Francesca Rilotelli is a fan of winter beef recipes.