Description
This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender braising beef slowly cooked in Guinness and beef stock with fresh summer vegetables like bell peppers and courgette. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a comforting meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Liquid and Vegetables
- 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or other ale
- 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks
Topping
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 160C/325F (fan). This low temperature will allow the beef to cook slowly and become tender.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Coat the beef chunks in a mixture of plain flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef to the hot oil and brown it on all sides to develop flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in the Guinness and beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, then cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven to cook for 3 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables: After 3 hours, remove the dish from the oven and stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, along with the courgette chunks. Return to the oven and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables while keeping their freshness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the casserole with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and finely sliced red onion. Serve hot alongside couscous or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- The Guinness adds a rich, deep flavor but you can substitute it with any dark ale or robust beer.
- Using a Dutch oven helps maintain even heat for slow cooking; if unavailable, a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid will work.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free alternative and check the beer is gluten-free.
- Cook time may vary slightly depending on the size of beef chunks; ensure beef is fork-tender before serving.
- Parmesan adds a salty tang; omit for a dairy-free option or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
