Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

If you love the idea of a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is about to become your best friend. Imagine tender, juicy beef slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a savory sauce that’s rich in flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let time do its magic.

It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone hungry, and when you finally sit down to eat, you’ll be greeted with a comforting bowl of goodness that makes the day feel a little bit brighter. Trust me, this casserole is going to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can change up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, and the slow cooking process helps maximize the flavor of even the most affordable cuts of beef.
Quick and Easy: Throw everything in the slow cooker, and you’re done! No fuss, no stress.
Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, swap out vegetables, or make it spicier if that’s your vibe.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

Here’s the magic of this casserole: the beef gets melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up all the delicious sauce. Let’s break it down:

Beef Stew Meat: The star of the dish. Tender, succulent beef chunks that fall apart beautifully as they cook low and slow.
Carrots & Potatoes: These veggies add heartiness and comfort to the dish, soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
Onions: A classic base for any casserole, adding sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Garlic: Adds that aromatic punch that makes everything smell amazing.
Tomato Paste: Gives the sauce richness and a bit of tang to balance the savory flavors.
Beef Broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the dish with savory depth.
Dried Herbs (like thyme and rosemary): Classic herb pairing for beef, giving the dish a comforting, earthy taste.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning—because every dish needs a little kick.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the beef and bring out all the flavors before slow cooking.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end, giving it that perfect consistency.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. This step helps to get the beef nice and seared, locking in all the flavor.

Sear the Beef: Season your beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then brown it in the skillet. You don’t need to cook it all the way through—just a few minutes on each side to get a nice golden crust.

Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker. Then, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic.

Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and dried herbs. Mix everything together, making sure the beef and veggies are evenly coated in the sauce.

Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

Finishing Touches: Once the casserole is done cooking, if you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the tender beef, hearty veggies, and savory sauce! Whether it’s paired with a side of crusty bread or eaten on its own, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)

How to Serve Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A slice of buttery garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed green beans or a simple salad to add freshness and crunch.
• Mashed potatoes instead of regular potatoes for extra creaminess.
• A glass of red wine, like a nice Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker with the broth.
• Feel free to add extra veggies, like peas or parsnips, for even more variety.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, try adding a little more cornstarch at the end.
• You can make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two—flavors only get better with time!
• For a gluten-free version, ensure that your beef broth and cornstarch are both gluten-free.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make this dish in a Dutch oven on the stovetop on low heat.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

2. Can I cook this casserole on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, just cook for 3-4 hours on high instead of 6-8 hours on low. The beef will still be tender.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
Crusty bread, a green salad, or mashed potatoes all pair perfectly.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before and let it cook the next day.

7. What if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can substitute with canned crushed tomatoes or even a little ketchup.

8. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker for a kick.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker.

10. How do I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the casserole at the end.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is everything you want in a meal: hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. The slow-cooked beef is tender and juicy, the vegetables are perfectly soft, and the savory sauce ties everything together. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, and it’s so simple that you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection!

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