Hearty Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills your home with mouth-watering aromas. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it's a comforting blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. Let's dive into what makes this dish so special!
Starting with the star of the show, beef chuck is ideal for casseroles due to its marbling, making it tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Vegetable oil is used for browning, which enhances the beef's flavor. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, adding depth. Carrots and potatoes provide substance and heartiness, while beef broth enriches the sauce. A dash of tomato paste adds a subtle tanginess. Dried thyme and rosemary offer herbal notes, while salt and pepper bring it all together. All-purpose flour thickens the sauce to perfection. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness, and a bay leaf infuses earthy undertones.
This Hearty Beef Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Grab a large ovenproof pot, and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You'll want to work in batches to brown the beef chuck cubes—this ensures they get a nice crust without steaming. Once browned, set them aside.
In the same pot, toss in the onion and garlic. Let them sauté until the onion turns translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the sauce and make it luscious.
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all those flavors together.
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, and peas. Give everything a good stir to ensure it's well combined. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Let it cook for about 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Finally, remove the casserole from the oven. Discard the bay leaf and let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest period allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
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