This hearty beef casserole recipe from Mary Berry is the perfect comfort food for a cozy family meal. Tender beef stewed in a flavorful gravy with vegetables creates a rich, satisfying dish.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) stewing beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 500 ml (17 fl oz) beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, ovenproof pot over medium heat.
3. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are evenly seared. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Gradually add the beef stock while stirring to prevent lumps.
8. Return the beef to the pot along with Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
10. Cook for 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened.
11. Remove the casserole from the oven and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg

The History of Beef Casserole

Beef casserole is a beloved dish that has roots in traditional home cooking. Originating as a way to use tougher cuts of beef, the slow-cooking process allows the meat to become tender while absorbing the flavors of the surrounding ingredients. Over the years, various cultures have adopted their own versions, making it a versatile dish. Mary Berry’s take on this classic meal combines time-tested techniques with rich, comforting flavors, ensuring that each bite is satisfying.

Why Choose Beef for a Casserole?

Beef is a perfect choice for casseroles due to its depth of flavor and the tenderness it achieves when slow-cooked. The cut of beef typically used in casseroles is stewing beef, which comes from tougher parts of the cow. These cuts are full of connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking, turning them into a tender and juicy meal. The rich flavor of beef also provides a hearty base for a variety of vegetables and seasonings, creating a robust and balanced dish.

Mary Berry’s Approach to Beef Casserole

Mary Berry’s beef casserole recipe is a classic example of British comfort food. Her recipe uses simple ingredients, yet the result is full of depth and complexity. By incorporating fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful broth, she elevates the traditional casserole into a comforting dish suitable for any occasion. The use of Worcestershire sauce and thyme adds a savory richness to the beef, making the dish even more appealing.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

For a successful beef casserole, choosing the right cut of beef is crucial. Stewing beef, which comes from tougher parts of the cow, is ideal because it holds up well during the slow cooking process. Other cuts, such as chuck steak, brisket, or round, are also good options for casseroles. These cuts are rich in connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking and transforms into tender, juicy pieces of meat.

The Role of Vegetables in Beef Casserole

Vegetables play an essential role in beef casserole, not only adding flavor but also contributing to the overall texture of the dish. Common vegetables used in beef casserole include carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. These vegetables provide sweetness, earthiness, and aromatic depth that balance the richness of the beef. Carrots add a subtle sweetness, while celery and onions provide a savory base. Garlic adds an extra layer of flavor, bringing complexity to the dish.

The Cooking Vessel Makes a Difference

Choosing the right pot for cooking your beef casserole is important. A heavy-duty, oven-safe pot, such as a Dutch oven or a casserole dish, is ideal for this recipe. These pots retain heat well, allowing for even cooking and tenderizing of the beef. Additionally, the tight-fitting lid traps moisture, preventing the casserole from drying out. A well-constructed pot also makes it easier to brown the beef and cook the vegetables to perfection before transferring the casserole to the oven.

Slow Cooking vs. Instant Cooking

While slow cooking is the traditional method for beef casserole, it’s possible to speed up the process using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. These modern appliances can cook the beef and vegetables much faster, while still achieving a tender result. However, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop more fully, creating a richer taste. If you have the time, traditional slow cooking is the best way to ensure the casserole has the depth and complexity of flavor that makes it so satisfying.

Why Beef Casserole is a Comfort Food

Beef casserole is considered a comfort food because it evokes feelings of warmth and home. The slow-cooked beef, rich gravy, and hearty vegetables create a dish that is not only delicious but also nurturing. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, often served on cozy evenings or during family gatherings. The familiar flavors and comforting nature of the dish make it a go-to choice for many home cooks.

Pairing Sides with Beef Casserole

While beef casserole is a hearty dish on its own, it can be complemented by a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, as the creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich beef and gravy. Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or peas, add a fresh, light element to balance the heaviness of the casserole. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help to cut through the richness of the dish.

The Versatility of Beef Casserole

One of the reasons beef casserole is so popular is its versatility. While the traditional recipe includes carrots, onions, and celery, you can easily customize the dish with other vegetables, such as parsnips, mushrooms, or potatoes. Adding red wine or balsamic vinegar to the gravy can also add complexity and depth. You can even switch up the herbs, experimenting with rosemary or parsley instead of thyme. This flexibility makes beef casserole a great base for creating your own signature version.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

Beef casserole is an excellent dish for meal prep. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer storage. The flavors often improve the next day as they have more time to meld together. Reheating the casserole is easy and convenient, making it a great option for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the effort of cooking from scratch.

How to Store Beef Casserole

To store beef casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. When reheating, ensure the casserole is heated thoroughly, either in the oven or on the stovetop, to ensure it’s safe to eat.

The Health Benefits of Beef Casserole

While beef casserole is considered a comfort food, it also offers several health benefits. Beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support overall health. The vegetables in the casserole provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced and nutritious meal.

Adapting Beef Casserole for Special Diets

Beef casserole can be adapted for various dietary preferences and restrictions. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. You can also make a dairy-free version by using non-dairy butter and ensuring that the beef stock is free of dairy products. Vegetarians can swap the beef for plant-based protein, such as lentils or mushrooms, to create a meatless version of the casserole.

Making Beef Casserole for Special Occasions

Beef casserole is an excellent choice for special occasions such as family dinners, holidays, or potlucks. The dish is easy to scale up for large groups and can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on other aspects of the meal. Serving it with a variety of sides and perhaps a dessert to follow makes it a satisfying and memorable meal for guests.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s beef casserole is a classic comfort food that delivers both warmth and satisfaction. With its tender beef, rich gravy, and hearty vegetables, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to prepare a cozy family dinner or a dish that can feed a crowd, this casserole fits the bill. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it a favorite among home cooks who love to experiment with flavors. The slow-cooking method ensures that the beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the vegetables add depth and balance.