Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole
Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole. Fall apart meat with crunchy veg and parmesan. Serve it with couscous for an even lighter feel.
Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole. Fall apart meat with crunchy veg and parmesan. Serve it with couscous for an even lighter feel.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 300 ml beef stock
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 600 g braising beef chopped into chunks
- 2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 330 ml guinness or other ale
- 1 small courgette/zucchini (chopped into chunks)
- freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 red onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
- cooked couscous (if i'm going for a flavoured cou i like ainsley harriott's spice sensation with this meal)
- Carbohydrate 1.20261854972029 g
- Cholesterol 2.06250000088449 mg
- Fat 2.4449427253702 g
- Fiber 0.0983518420427273 g
- Protein 2.45006786096348 g
- Saturated Fat 0.668578633286637 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (234g)
- Sodium 185.492883028203 mg
- Sugar 1.10426670767757 g
- Trans Fat 0.0969502868962717 g
- Calories 36 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 160c/325f.
- Heat the oil on a medium-high heat in a dutch oven or other heavy based pan.
- Place the beef in a bowl or bag and add the flour, salt and pepper. Toss together to coat, then add the beef to the pan.
- Brown the meat all over (should take about 6-8 minutes).
- Add the garlic, stir and cook for one minute, then add the Guinness and stock.
- Bring to the boil, stir and place a lid on the pan.
- Place in the oven and cook for 3 hours (check every hour and top up with a splash of water if needed).
- After 3 hours add in the chopped peppers and courgette.
- Place the lid on and place back in the oven for 5 minutes. This should ensure the veg stays crunchy but is warmed through.
- Take out of the oven and sprinkle on the parmesan, parsley and red onion slices, then serve with warm couscous.
Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present mountain of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on good food. That’s where this Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole comes in – a lifesaver on busy evenings!
This recipe is my go-to when I need a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. The magic lies in the slow cooker (or oven, if you prefer!). The beef simmers gently, becoming incredibly tender and falling apart at the slightest touch. The combination of rich Guinness, savory beef stock, and the vibrant crunch of peppers and zucchini creates a symphony of flavors that even the pickiest eaters will appreciate. And the best part? Most of the prep work can be done ahead of time, leaving you with minimal kitchen duties on those hectic weeknights.
I love how versatile this casserole is. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – carrots, mushrooms, or even butternut squash would be delicious additions. The parmesan adds a delightful salty bite, complementing the richness of the beef and the subtle sweetness of the peppers. Serving it with fluffy couscous elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of freshness.
This casserole is not just a quick and easy weeknight solution; it’s also a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare the ingredients a day or two in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, when you're ready to cook, simply pop everything into the slow cooker or oven and let it do its magic. This leaves you free to focus on other important things – like getting the kids to bed or finally tackling that pile of laundry!
Beyond the convenience, this casserole is also a great way to get the family involved in the cooking process. Kids can help with simple tasks like chopping vegetables or stirring the ingredients. This not only teaches them valuable life skills but also fosters a sense of family and togetherness around the dinner table. And let’s face it, sharing a delicious meal together is one of life's greatest joys.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of a busy week, remember this Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole. It's a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal that will bring comfort and joy to your family, even amidst the chaos. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to bring people together.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Try using different types of beer or ale, such as stout or porter, to experiment with flavor profiles.
- If you don't have couscous, serve the casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad.
This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is a true testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the process, and savor the flavors!
