Description

Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender slow-cooked beef chuck roast combined with savory vegetables, fresh herbs, and a rich sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this casserole offers rich flavors, simple preparation, and versatility with options for dietary modifications. The slow simmering melds the flavors beautifully, producing a satisfying and warming meal that’s perfect for any chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)

Vegetables

2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 medium potatoes or parsnips, diced

Flavorings and Herbs

2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 to 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Fats and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides until a deep, flavorful crust forms.
Sautéing the Vegetables: Remove the browned beef from the pot and add butter. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, forming the flavor base.
Deglazing and Building the Sauce: Pour in red wine or a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in tomato paste and add the fresh thyme and rosemary. Return the browned beef to the pot.
Slow Cooking: Add the remaining beef broth and the diced potatoes or parsnips to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have fully developed.
Finishing Touches: Remove the fresh herbs, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and coat every piece of beef and vegetable perfectly.

Notes

Brown the beef well to develop deep flavor and rich color through the Maillard reaction.
Use fresh thyme and rosemary for the best aromatic freshness.
Cook low and slow to ensure tender meat and a well-developed sauce.
Don’t skip deglazing to add layers of savory goodness.
Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors settle.
Optional variations include a vegetarian version with mushrooms or lentils, adding a spicy kick with cayenne, and gluten-free or dairy-free adjustments.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: beef casserole, slow cooked beef, comforting beef stew, easy casserole recipe, hearty dinner, family meal, slow cooker casserole