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.