05 Nov 2025
Cook time 165 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
5 bacon strips
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 leek
2 cups mushrooms
2 lb beef
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1 tbsp fresh thyme
3 bay leafs
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley
Enjoy a comforting and hearty Leek, Mushroom & Beef Casserole that's perfect for any cozy dinner. This dish combines tender beef, flavorful leeks, earthy mushrooms, and a rich broth, accented with bacon and red wine for a truly satisfying meal.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Ingredients:
- Chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Finely dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Trim, clean, and thinly slice the leek.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cook Bacon:
- In a large ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the dish.
4. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the dish.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced leek. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, until they begin to brown.
5. Brown the Beef:
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the dish and add the beef pieces in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef on all sides until browned, mixing occasionally to coat with flour and evenly distribute the vegetables.
6. Deglaze and Build Flavor:
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the dish.
- Add the fresh thyme leaves and bay leaves, and stir everything together.
7. Combine and Cook:
- Return the crispy bacon to the dish, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the dish with a lid or foil.
8. Bake:
- Transfer the covered casserole dish to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve hot with your preferred side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips:
- Ensure you cut the beef into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Sear the beef well to develop a rich and deep flavor.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best aromatic results.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine to lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Cook the casserole slowly over low heat to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
You've successfully cooked a delicious Leek, Mushroom & Beef Casserole that's sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful gravy. Enjoy your comforting homemade meal!