beef casserole recipe uk

A Hearty Beef Casserole Recipe UK Style

As the UK's love for comfort food continues to grow, a classic beef casserole recipe is a staple that never goes out of style. This beloved dish is a perfect blend of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown pastry crust. In this article, we'll dive into the world of beef casserole recipe UK style, exploring the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to create a mouth-watering, show-stopping dish that's sure to become a family favourite.

The Origins of Beef Casserole

Beef casserole, also known as beef stew or beef hotpot, has its roots in medieval Europe. The dish was originally created as a hearty, one-pot meal for peasants and labourers, using tougher cuts of beef that were slow-cooked in a cauldron with vegetables and broth. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the addition of pastry crust became a signature element of the dish. Today, beef casserole remains a beloved comfort food classic, enjoyed by people all over the UK and beyond.

Our Beef Casserole Recipe UK Style

Here's a mouth-watering beef casserole recipe that serves 4-6 people, using a combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce:

Ingredients:

• 500g beef stewing steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, beef cubes, carrots, and potatoes, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a size slightly larger than your casserole dish. Spoon the beef mixture into the dish, then top with the pastry, pressing the edges to seal. Brush the pastry with a beaten egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Tips and Variations

To take your beef casserole recipe UK style to the next level, try these handy tips and variations:

• Use a mixture of beef and lamb for added depth of flavour.
• Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra colour and texture.
• Swap the puff pastry for a homemade pastry crust, using a combination of flour, butter, and water.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

With this hearty beef casserole recipe UK style, you'll be sure to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both comforting and delicious. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling that only a home-cooked beef casserole can provide!