I am a huge fan of complex dishes containing many flavours, that challenge and delight my taste buds, but sometimes a back to basics approach with flavours works equally well. My last beef casserole was complex, this one is simple; showcasing the delicious beef from Pipers Farm, and is less challenging to my taste buds after the rich food of Christmas.
Like many online butchers Pipers Farm offer a next day delivery of frozen meat. Your meat arrives, wrapped in duvet of wool; so much more sustainable than those ghastly expanded polystyrene boxes.
This casserole only contains meat, stock, wine, flour, onions and a little oil or dripping. Simple but so delicious!
Recipe: The Simplest Beef Casserole (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 tbs vegetable oil or dripping
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 500 g beef – brisket / stewing / shin – cut into 2.5 cm cubes
- 2 tbs flour
- 1 mug beef stock – I used a Knorr stock pot
- 1 small glass of red wine
Instructions
- Pour half the oil or dripping into a large frying pan and fry the onions few minutes until softened, transfer to the slow cooker pot or casserole dish.
- Fry off the cubed beef in batches adding a little more oil or dripping as needed – there should be space around each piece so it browns properly. Once browned add to your cooking pot. When frying off the last batch of beef add the flour, this should absorb all the remaining fat. Cook for a few minutes and transfer to your cooking pot.
- If necessary deglaze the pan with some of the stock by pouring a little stock into the frying pan to loosen any remaining scraps of beef. Pour this, together with the rest of the stock and wine over the beef and onions and stir. If necessary add a little water so the beef is almost covered.
- Slow Cooker – Cook on high until simmering, and then turn down to low and cook for 5 to 8 hours until the beef is tender. If the casserole needs thickening prop the lid of the cooker open with a wooden spoon so some liquid can evaporate.
- Oven – Cook for two and a half hours at 150°C / 300°F / GM 2.
- Serve with green vegetables and mash to soak up that delicious gravy.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Looks most satisfying! I haven’t used my crockpot much since the kitchen was done but this IS the season and I should dust it down for some stew making!
Helen
What I like is that I can switch the slow cooker on and go out and leave it doing its thing all day. Also can cook a large amount and then portion it up and freeze for future meals.
the caked crusader
Perfect dinner for the current snowy weather
Jada Lewendon
Hi Helen,
I found this recipe whilst looking for one to tweet for your competition entry. I have some sliced beef that I froze that needs to be used up, I didn’t know what to do with it but now I do!
Thank you x
Donna G
I really enjoy a simple and tasty casserole, you just cannot fault it. Sometimes it is exactly what you need.
Harriet
This is the kind of food I crave when it gets to Autumn and Winter. Lovely and warming, and just what you need after a busy day.
Laura Benton
So simple, yet so satisfying. It is the kind of supper your Mother would make you on school nights, and you loved it.
Zara Douglas
I do like a traditional, easy to make recipe for week day meals. Great for all the family and affordable.
Tammy
I really like casseroles and they are so easy to make. always have to have mashed potato with them.
Camilla
Pipers Farm sound like a great idea, and very much get my approval for not using polystyrene. I really enjoy a beef casserole, just don’t make it much. Perfect for the colder months.
Kristy D
On a cold Fall night, you really want some hot comfort food and this is just the thing.
Gary H
Beef casserole is one of my go to recipes, always popular and never fails. Handy recipe and so easy to make.
Tara
We hardy ever eat beef at home, but when we do it is always nice to make a tasty dish. This is so simple, but looks delicious.
Wendy M
I love using my slow cooker, and it is this time of year when the weather is getting colder that I tend to use it more. Very tasty and so handy.
Kerry
A classic and tasty Winter meal, nice and easy to make. I like the idea of having the meat delivered too.
Margaret
Something very satisfying about a homemade casserole. Perfect for a tasty family meal.
Faye Henderson
I honestly didn’t know you could get online butchers, that is a great idea. Your casserole has made me quite hungry, so I think I know what I am having for dinner tonight.
Olivia
A great Winter warmer meal and something you can easily make in advance. Just the kind of recipe I like.
Simon
I can see me making this and taking it to work the next day. How to make everyone jealous of my lunches!
Tricia L
I’m exactly the same when it comes to eating after Christmas. I need simple food, and this is just right for that. Simple, tasty and satisfying. Brilliant.
Sally Potter
My slow cooker hasn’t been out the cupboard for months. This is the perfect reason for me to dust it off. Looks really tasty.
Lesley Garden
I love a simple beef casserole and after reading your recipe I had to make this for my family. Delicious.
Helen
I honestly think that simple is the best by far.