07 Nov 2025
Cook time 140 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 lb beef
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
3 carrots
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 can canned tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 red pepper
1/2 cup peas
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup basil leaves
The Summer Beef Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for those warm summer evenings. Combining tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this casserole is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense. Follow this recipe to create a meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop and prepare all vegetables as per the ingredients list.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same casserole dish, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Thicken the Base:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato puree and mix well to combine.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the casserole dish.
- Pour in 1 can of canned tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the chopped red pepper.
6. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Add Final Vegetables:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the peas and chopped spinach.
- Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to cook.
8. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Tips:
- Choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, like chuck or brisket, to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
- Sauté the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent proper browning.
- Make sure to finely chop the garlic and onion to ensure they blend seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
- Allow the casserole to simmer slowly; rushing the cooking process can result in tough meat and undercooked vegetables.
- Feel free to add other summer vegetables you may have on hand, like zucchini or squash, to boost the nutritional content and flavor profile of the dish.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine along with the beef broth.
Your Summer Beef Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish offers a wonderful medley of rich, savory flavors complemented by the freshness of summer vegetables and herbs. Serve it hot and savor every bite of this comforting yet invigorating meal.