How to Make Boiled Beef and Carrots – A Traditional British Favourite

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Looking for a proper taste of old-fashioned British comfort food? You can’t go wrong with boiled beef and carrots. This humble yet hearty dish was once a staple in working-class households and remains a nostalgic favourite for many across the UK.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to make boiled beef and carrots using simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you're revisiting a childhood memory or discovering this classic for the first time, this dish is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

---

What Is Boiled Beef and Carrots?

Boiled beef and carrots is a traditional British meal made by gently simmering brisket of beef with root vegetables – especially carrots – and aromatics like bay leaves, onion, and peppercorns. The result is tender, flavourful meat, rich broth, and perfectly cooked veg.

Popularised during wartime Britain and celebrated in cockney culture (there’s even a music hall song called "Boiled Beef and Carrots"), this dish represents the best of British home cooking: frugal, filling, and full of flavour.

---

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1.2–1.5kg beef brisket, tied or rolled

6 large carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks

2 onions, peeled and quartered

2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped

1 turnip or swede (optional), peeled and cubed

2 bay leaves

10 whole black peppercorns

1 tsp salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Mustard or horseradish, to serve

Water, enough to cover the meat

---

Equipment

Large stockpot or saucepan with a lid

Slotted spoon

Sharp knife for carving

---

Method: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Beef

If not already tied, roll and tie your brisket to help it hold its shape during boiling. This will make slicing easier later.

2. Start the Boil

Place the beef in a large stockpot. Cover with cold water and bring slowly to the boil. Skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface – this helps keep the broth clear.

3. Add the Aromatics

Once the scum is removed, add onions, celery, turnip (if using), bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Add the Carrots

Add the chopped carrots to the pot and continue to simmer for a further 30 minutes, or until the carrots are soft but not mushy.

5. Rest and Carve

Carefully remove the beef from the pot and let it rest on a warm plate for 10–15 minutes. Slice the brisket across the grain into thick slices.

6. Serve

Ladle the broth and vegetables into bowls or serve the meat alongside the carrots with a little of the broth spooned over. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with English mustard or horseradish on the side.

---

Tips for the Best Boiled Beef and Carrots

Low and slow is key – don’t rush the boiling process.

Brisket is the traditional cut, but silverside or shin of beef can also work well.

Use the leftover broth as a base for soups or gravy the next day.

For a fuller meal, serve with mashed potatoes or dumplings.

---

Why We Love This Classic Dish

Boiled beef and carrots may not sound fancy, but it delivers simple, satisfying flavour. The beef becomes meltingly tender, the vegetables soak up the broth, and everything feels wholesome and nourishing.

It’s also budget-friendly, perfect for batch cooking, and a great way to use up leftover veg.

---

A Bit of History

This dish gained popularity in Victorian and wartime Britain when boiling meat was a practical way to stretch food and feed large families. It also became symbolic of Cockney pride, thanks to the song “Boiled Beef and Carrots”, which celebrated the dish as a working-class delicacy.

Today, it stands as a shining example of traditional British cuisine that never goes out of style.

---

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make boiled beef and carrots, it’s time to bring this classic back to your dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, warming meal that’s full of traditional British charm.

Whether you're cooking for the family or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this dish ticks all the boxes – comforting, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

---

How to make boiled beef and carrots

Boiled beef and carrots recipe

Traditional British boiled beef

Classic British comfort food

Brisket with carrots UK recipe

British boiled dinner

---

Tried this recipe? Share your memories or twists in the comments – we’d love to hear how you serve your boiled beef and carrots!

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.