If you are searching for a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe. With tender chunks of braising beef slowly cooked in Guinness and beef stock, this casserole beautifully combines vibrant summertime vegetables and a touch of parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish. The blend of hearty meat and fresh colors makes it an outstanding meal for those cozy evenings when you want something both satisfying and packed with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe is simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly essential. Each lends a special touch, from the rich depth of Guinness to the fresh crunch of summer vegetables, making this dish a celebration of flavors and textures.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This will help brown the beef beautifully and add a subtle fruity richness.
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks: Choose good quality beef to ensure melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
- 2 tbsp plain flour: Helps create a slight coating on the meat to thicken the flavorful sauce later on.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth to balance the rich broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Introduces a fragrant base note that complements the meat beautifully.
- 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or other ale: The star liquid, lending a deep, robust character and slight bitterness that works wonders with beef.
- 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock: Provides a hearty, savory base to make the casserole sauce richly comforting.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to lighten the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks: Brings a gentle earthiness and tender texture that rounds out the casserole perfectly.
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds umami and a delightful saltiness to sprinkle on top.
How to Make Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 160C/325F with the fan setting if you have it. This lower temperature is perfect for slow cooking, helping the beef become wonderfully tender without drying out. While the oven warms, get your beef cut into even chunks for even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-proof pot. Toss the beef chunks in the flour seasoned with salt and pepper; this coating will help thicken the sauce later. Brown the meat in batches for a lovely caramelized exterior, which builds essential flavor right at the start of cooking.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Liquids
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic just long enough to release its fragrance without burning it. Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, bringing everything to a gentle boil. This mixture will form that rich, hearty sauce that defines the dish’s soul. Cover the pot tightly to keep all the steam and flavor in.
Step 4: Slow Cook in the Oven
Slide the covered pot into your preheated oven and let it cook for 3 hours. This slow cooking time is crucial—it allows the beef to break down, becoming incredibly tender and soaking up all those deep, bold flavors.
Step 5: Add Summer Vegetables
After the three-hour mark, add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the courgette chunks. These fresh vegetables only need about 5 minutes to soften just enough while preserving their vibrant color and a bit of bite, balancing the richness of the beef.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Give the casserole a gentle stir, then sprinkle the top evenly with grated parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly, adding a subtle savory edge that complements every spoonful.
How to Serve Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even finely diced red onion on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a rustic crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the sauce. Its versatility lets you match the sides to the season or your mood effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in rustic ceramic bowls to highlight its hearty, homestyle charm. For a special touch, add a small ramekin of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on the side. It’s all about making the experience feel warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of the Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe keep incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as spectacular if not better.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, perfect for batch cooking and saving for busy days. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its tempting taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the beef’s tenderness and prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy. If needed, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the sauce while warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness adds a unique richness and slight bitterness, another dark ale or even a stout can work beautifully. Just avoid anything too light or overly bitter, which might overpower the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers?
Yes, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by following the same preparation steps for browning, then transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, adding the vegetables in the last 30 minutes.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This casserole is flexible. Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or peas if you want to enhance the vegetable variety and color in your dish.
What cut of beef is best for this casserole?
Look for braising cuts such as chuck or brisket. These contain enough connective tissue to break down slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for slow cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop only?
Yes, you can simmer it gently on the stovetop over low heat for about 3 hours. Just make sure to keep it covered and check the liquid levels, adding stock if necessary to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into a memorable feast. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, the slow cooking brings out something magical in the beef and vegetables. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to make time and time again.
Print
Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British/Irish
Description
A hearty slow-cooked summer beef casserole featuring tender braising beef simmered in Guinness and beef stock with vibrant summer vegetables, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) braising beef, chopped into chunks
Seasonings and Flour
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Liquids
- 330 ml (11 oz) Guinness or other ale
- 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (quantity as desired, for garnish)
- Red onion (quantity as desired, thinly sliced, for garnish)
- Couscous (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160C/325F (fan) to warm up while you prepare the casserole.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy oven-proof pot over medium heat. Meanwhile, coat the chopped braising beef thoroughly with the 2 tablespoons of plain flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef chunks and brown them well on all sides, developing a rich color and flavor. This step locks in the juices.
- Add Flavors and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and pour in 330 ml of Guinness or another dark ale, followed by 360 ml of beef stock. Bring this mixture to a boil on the stovetop to start melding the flavors together.
- Slow Cook in Oven: Cover the pot with a lid and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook slowly for 3 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to deepen beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: After 3 hours, remove the pot from the oven and add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the chopped courgette/zucchini. Stir everything gently, then return the uncovered pot to the oven to cook for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough to soften the vegetables without losing their bright color and texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the casserole generously with 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and thinly sliced red onion for a fresh, tangy contrast. Serve the casserole hot alongside fluffy couscous to complete this comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy oven-proof pot suitable for both stovetop and oven cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the Guinness and garlic mixture for an hour before cooking.
- If Guinness is unavailable, substitute with another robust ale or dark beer.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check for tender beef before adding vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and often taste better the next day as flavors intensify.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free flour and beer alternatives.
