Summer often calls for fresh, vibrant flavors and easy-to-make dishes that don't compromise on taste. Enter the Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole, a perfect blend of hearty and refreshing ingredients. This dish is ideal for those long summer evenings when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Stick around to learn how to create this delightful casserole that promises to become a seasonal favorite.
What is a Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole?
A Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish made with tender chunks of braised beef, summer vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. The slow-cooking process allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vibrant summer vegetables retain their freshness and crunch. This casserole is enhanced with the deep flavors of Guinness and beef stock, making it a standout dish that combines comfort and summer freshness.
Ingredients List for Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole
To create this mouthwatering Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks
- 2 tablespoon plain (all-purpose) flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or other ale
- 360 ml (1 ½ cups) beef stock
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks
- 3 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- ¼ red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- Cooked couscous (If opting for flavored couscous, Ainsley Harriott's Spice Sensation pairs beautifully with this dish)
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole lies in its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider:
- Meat Substitutes: If you prefer a lighter meat, try using lamb or chicken thighs. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
- Alcohol-Free: Substitute Guinness with additional beef stock or a non-alcoholic beer to maintain the depth of flavor without the alcohol.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other summer vegetables like yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or carrots to add more color and texture to your casserole.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Parmesan isn't to your taste, try using cheddar, feta, or even a vegan cheese alternative.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this delicious casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole turns out perfectly every time.
How to Cook Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F (fan).
- Prepare the Beef: Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or a heavy-based pan. While the oil heats, place the braising beef in a bowl or bag. Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the beef and toss until the beef chunks are evenly coated.
- Brown the Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the beef chunks to the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the flavor base of your casserole.
- Add Garlic and Liquids: After browning the beef, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Slow Cooking: Once the mixture is boiling, stir well, place a lid on the pan, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours, checking every hour to ensure it doesn't dry out. If it looks dry, add a splash of water.
- Add Vegetables: After 3 hours, add the chopped red and green bell peppers and courgette to the pan. Stir well, replace the lid, and return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will heat the vegetables through while keeping them crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and thinly sliced red onion over the top. Serve hot with warm couscous on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Add the vegetables towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Not Checking the Liquid Levels: Regularly check the casserole during cooking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Add water or stock as needed.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the beef is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip this step or rush it.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole
Serve the Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with freshly cooked couscous for a complete meal. The light, fluffy couscous complements the rich, hearty casserole perfectly. If you prefer, crusty bread or mashed potatoes are excellent alternatives.
Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole
- Garnish Generously: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thinly sliced red onion over the casserole just before serving. The bright green and red colors add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Use Rustic Serveware: Serve the casserole in a rustic Dutch oven or a deep, earthenware dish. This not only keeps the dish warm but also adds to the homely, comforting appeal.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual bowls or ramekins, topped with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for high-quality braising beef for the best results. This will ensure your casserole is tender and flavorful.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time. This makes the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can give the casserole an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the steps up to browning the beef and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, adding the vegetables in the last hour of cooking.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of Guinness?
A: If you prefer not to use Guinness, you can substitute it with additional beef stock, non-alcoholic beer, or even red wine for a different flavor profile.
Q: How do I know when the beef is done?
A: The beef should be tender and easy to break apart with a fork. If it’s still tough, continue cooking and check again after 30 minutes.
Q: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A: Yes, you can add spice by including chili flakes, a diced jalapeno, or a splash of hot sauce to the casserole.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole is a delightful blend of rich, hearty flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful broth, this casserole is sure to impress. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet family meal, this dish is a surefire way to bring comfort and joy to the table. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and enjoy this summer sensation!
PrintSlow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe
Indulge in a flavorful Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole. This dish features tender braising beef, Guinness, and vibrant summer vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Ideal for a hearty meal, it's easy to prepare and perfect for any summer gathering. Keywords: slow cooked summer beef casserole, braising beef recipe, summer casserole, Guinness beef stew.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or other ale
- 360 ml (1 ½ cups) beef stock
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- To Serve:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- ¼ red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- Cooked couscous (Ainsley Harriott's Spice Sensation recommended)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat the braising beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the beef in the skillet, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add minced garlic, Guinness, and beef stock to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers and courgette/zucchini.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thinly sliced red onion.
- Serve with cooked couscous.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
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