Classic Beef Casserole
A hearty and comforting beef casserole made with tender beef chunks, fresh vegetables, and a rich savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Beef
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into cubes
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Set beef aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add beef broth while scraping browned bits from the bottom. Return beef to pot. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until beef is tender.
- Alternatively, place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Let casserole rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and settle flavors.
Notes
Feel free to customize this casserole by adding mushrooms, root vegetables, or herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a new twist.