This Savory Herb & Garlic Beef Casserole is your ticket to warm, comforting flavors with a delightful twist. The blend of herbs and garlic infuses the beef with a rich aroma, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without the fuss.
The star of the show is definitely the beef chuck roast. Known for its marbling, it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Olive oil helps in browning the meat, locking in juices and flavor. Onions and garlic are sautéed to add a savory base, while beef broth and red wine create a rich, layered sauce. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds a slight tang. The combination of thyme and rosemary brings an earthy aroma, complemented by the subtle fragrance of a bay leaf. Carrots and potatoes add texture and sweetness, and frozen peas offer a pop of color and freshness. Finally, a simple flour and water mixture thickens everything to the perfect consistency.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a festive touch, serve with a glass of the same red wine used in the dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want to brown the beef cubes in small batches so they develop a nice crust, then move them over to a casserole dish to rest.
In the same skillet, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they're translucent and fragrant, which should only take a few minutes. Once that's done, stir in the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer — it’s going to smell amazing!
Pour this aromatic concoction over the beef in your casserole dish, making sure everything is nicely coated. Layer in the carrots and potatoes for that hearty feel. Cover the dish and let it bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours. This is when the magic happens and the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender.
After the wait, remove the bay leaf, stir in the peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want the sauce a bit thicker, mix flour with water until smooth, then stir it into the casserole. Bake it uncovered for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
Finally, serve it hot and enjoy the comforting deliciousness!