A hearty beef casserole is one of the most comforting dishes you can create in your kitchen. It’s warm, deeply flavourful, and perfect for family dinners, weekend cooking, or meal prep that lasts for days. The best part? A great casserole doesn’t require complicated steps—just quality ingredients, a good pot, and slow, gentle cooking.
When making beef casserole, the goal is to build flavour slowly. You start by browning the beef, sautéing your aromatics, and adding the right balance of broth, vegetables, and seasonings. Once everything simmers together, the casserole becomes rich, tender, and completely delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Diced beef (chuck or casserole cuts)
- Onions and garlic
- Carrots and celery
- Potatoes or parsnips
- Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- Beef stock
- Thyme, bay leaf, rosemary
- Salt, pepper, optional paprika
- Red wine (optional)
Step-by-Step: How To Make Beef Casserole
1. Prepare and brown the beef
Pat your beef dry and season well. Heat a casserole pot, add oil, and brown the beef in batches. This step is essential as it adds deep flavour to the final dish.
2. Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and lightly golden. This creates the base of your casserole.
3. Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, then add beef stock. You can also include crushed tomatoes for a richer sauce. Add herbs like thyme and bay leaf and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the beef back in
Return the browned beef to the casserole pot. Make sure the meat is mostly covered with liquid so it braises properly.
5. Slow cook
You can cook the casserole on the stovetop for 2–2.5 hours, bake it at 160°C for about 2 hours, or use a slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low. The beef should be tender and easy to break apart when done.
6. Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add fresh herbs, a spoon of Worcestershire sauce, or peas for colour. Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice.
Tips For the Best Beef Casserole
- Browning beef properly makes a huge difference.
- Use a heavy-duty casserole dish for even heat distribution.
- Don’t rush the cooking time—slow cooking makes beef tender.
- Add root vegetables halfway if you prefer them firmer.
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