Description
Have you ever found yourself torn between the deep, savory satisfaction of a slow-cooked beef stew and the cozy, layered indulgence of a baked casserole? It’s a tough choice, right? Well, what if we told you that you don’t have to choose? Welcome to the world of the Comforting Beef Stew Casserole—a brilliant culinary fusion that takes the best elements of both beloved dishes and combines them into one spectacular, hearty beef stew casserole recipe.
Ingredients
For the stew base:
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (or extra broth)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas
For the casserole topping:
3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the beef:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season beef with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Build the stew base:
Stir in tomato paste and flour; cook for 1 minute.
Add the beef back in.
Pour in broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1½ hours (or until beef is tender).
Add peas:
Stir in frozen peas and cook 5 more minutes.
Remove bay leaf.
Assemble the casserole:
If not already using an oven-safe pot, transfer the stew to a casserole dish.
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese (if using).
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges.
Rest & serve:
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This Comforting Beef Stew Casserole is the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights! Serve it with warm crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a hearty family favorite that tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 420
Keywords: Hearty beef stew casserole recipe, best beef stew casserole, easy beef stew bake