Print

Cozy Grandma’s Secret Casserole Recipe Easy Tender Meat and Veggies

Cozy Grandma’s Secret Casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, comforting casserole featuring tender beef chuck and flavorful vegetables baked together with a savory sauce and optional cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels, then sprinkle salt and pepper generously.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  7. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and seared beef back to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Add halved baby potatoes and frozen peas, stirring gently to combine.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce is bubbling.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole and bake for another 10 minutes until melted and golden.
  11. Remove from oven, let sit for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free. To thicken sauce before baking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in. Searing meat properly locks in juices and flavor. Cheese topping is optional but recommended for creamy texture. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, tender meat, vegetables, baked casserole

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/cozy-grandmas-secret-casserole-recipe-easy-tender-meat-and-veggies/