02 Sep 2025
Cook time 140 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
4 bacon strips
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 lb beef
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 can canned tomatoes
3 carrots
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup fresh parsley
A comforting and hearty basic beef and red wine casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy meal. This rich and flavorful casserole combines tender beef with the deep, robust flavors of red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef into chunks, chop the bacon and onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. Chop the fresh parsley and set it aside for later.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large, oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the dish and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same dish with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Brown the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Then, add the beef to the dish in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until each piece is browned on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside with the bacon.
7. Make the Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the dish with the remaining oil and cooked bits. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
8. Add Liquid: Gradually pour in 1 cup of red wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the bottom of the dish. Add 1 cup of beef broth, continuing to stir.
9. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef and bacon to the dish. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and the sliced carrots. Stir everything together until well combined.
10. Season and Simmer: Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
11. Bake: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
12. Finish with Parsley: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
13. Serve: Serve the beef and red wine casserole hot. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Use a quality red wine.: Choose a dry red wine that you would drink by itself. The flavor of the wine intensifies as it cooks, so a good quality wine will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- Slow cooking enhances the flavors.: If you have the time, cooking the casserole slowly at a lower temperature allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become ultra-tender. Consider using a slow cooker for an easy and hands-off approach.
- Brown the beef properly.: Take the time to brown the beef in batches to develop a deep, caramelized crust. This step is crucial for building a rich, flavorful base for the casserole.
- Let it rest before serving.: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Add vegetables of your choice.: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or peas for extra texture and nutritional value.
- Check seasoning towards the end.: Taste the casserole towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
This basic beef and red wine casserole is a delightful and warming dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef, red wine, and fresh vegetables. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones and savor the robust taste.