Casseroles

Beef Casserole Recipe: A Multi-Season Delight

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Get the best beef casserole recipe and step-by-step cooking instructions below!

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When summer calls for hearty yet refreshing meals, this slow cooked Beef Casserole is the perfect answer.

This recipe combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, vibrant summer vegetables, and a deeply flavorful Guinness-infused broth.

It’s a simple, hands-off dish that’s ideal for entertaining or a comforting family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Casserole Recipe

  1. Hands-Off Cooking: Let your oven or slow cooker do the work while you relax.
  2. Summer Flavors: Incorporates fresh vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a seasonal touch.
  3. Rich Yet Light: The hearty beef and Guinness base is balanced with crisp veggies and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  4. Versatile: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences or ingredient swaps.

Key Ingredients for Beef Casserole

Base Ingredients

  • Braising Beef: Tender chunks of beef become flavorful and fall-apart soft after slow cooking.
  • Flour: Coats the beef to create a slight crust and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Guinness: Adds depth and richness to the broth; substitute with non-alcoholic beer or extra stock if needed.
  • Beef Stock: Enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.

Summer Vegetables

  • Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Courgette/Zucchini: A light, summery vegetable that absorbs the flavors of the broth.

Finishing Touches

  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a creamy, umami-rich layer.
  • Fresh Parsley and Red Onion: Brighten the dish with freshness and crunch.
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Preheat Oven or Slow Cooker: Set your oven to 160°C/325°F (fan) or your slow cooker to low.
  2. Coat the Beef: Toss the beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl to coat evenly.

2. Brown the Beef

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the Beef: Brown the beef on all sides for 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

3. Build the Flavor Base

  1. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Deglaze with Guinness: Pour in the Guinness, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
  3. Combine with Stock: Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Slow Cook the Casserole

  1. Transfer to Casserole Dish or Slow Cooker: Pour the liquid over the beef in the dish or slow cooker.
  2. Cook Low and Slow:
    • Oven: Cover and cook for 3 hours, checking every hour to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
    • Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

5. Add the Vegetables

  1. Stir in Veggies: Add the bell peppers and courgette, stirring to combine.
  2. Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 30 minutes (oven) or 1 hour (slow cooker) to keep the vegetables crisp.

6. Serve and Garnish

  1. Sprinkle Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese for added richness.
  2. Garnish: Top with parsley and red onion before serving.
  3. Pair with Couscous: Serve alongside fluffy couscous or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

  • Sides: Couscous, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
  • Salad: A crisp green salad or tomato-cucumber salad for balance.
  • Drinks: Pair with a chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Presentation Ideas

  • Serve in rustic ceramic or cast-iron cookware for a homely, comforting vibe.
  • Plate individual portions with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef adds essential depth to the dish.
  2. Keep an Eye on Liquid: Check periodically to ensure the casserole doesn’t dry out. Add more stock or water if necessary.
  3. Add Vegetables Last: To preserve their texture and flavor, add vegetables towards the end of cooking.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or potatoes. Use vegetable stock.
  2. Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.
  3. Wine Substitute: Swap Guinness for red wine to give the casserole a deeper flavor profile.
  4. Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère, feta, or a vegan cheese alternative instead of Parmesan.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast or stewing beef works just as well.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Use a Dutch oven or heavy casserole dish and cook in the oven at 160°C/325°F.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free alternative.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or ale
  • 360 ml (1½ cups) beef stock
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped
  • 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

To Serve

  • Fresh parsley
  • ¼ red onion, sliced
  • Cooked couscous

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F or set slow cooker to low.
  2. Coat beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Sear in hot oil until browned.
  3. Add garlic, Guinness, and beef stock. Bring to a boil.
  4. Cook in oven (3 hours) or slow cooker (6-8 hours).
  5. Stir in vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan and garnish with parsley and red onion. Serve with couscous.
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Conclusion on Beef Casserole

The Slow Cooked Beef Casserole combines the comfort of slow-cooked beef with the vibrant freshness of summer vegetables.

It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion.

Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of this seasonal delight!

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