Beef Casserole Recipe: A Warm and Hearty One-Pot Meal

Beef casserole is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your dinner table feel cozy.

It’s perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or when you just want something filling and comforting.

This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t need any fancy cooking tools.

You’ll use one pot, basic ingredients, and a little time to let everything cook slowly and turn tender.

It’s great for families and makes enough to save for later too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef casserole is packed with soft, tender meat and veggies in a flavorful sauce.

It’s made with ingredients you probably already have at home.

And the best part?

It all cooks together, so cleanup is super easy.

You can also change it up based on what you like.

Don’t like peas? Skip them. Want potatoes inside? Add them.

This recipe is flexible and easy to make your own.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients to make 6 servings of beef casserole:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1.5 pounds (700g) beef stew meat, cut into small chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas (add at the end)
• Optional: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Everything Before Cooking

Start by getting all your ingredients ready.

This makes cooking smoother and faster.

Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes (if you’re using them).

Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Measure out your liquids and spices too.

Turn on your oven and preheat it to 325°F (160°C).

You’ll need an oven-safe pot or a casserole dish with a lid for baking later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Flavor

Place your large pot on the stove over medium-high heat.

Add the cooking oil.

When the oil is hot, add the beef pieces in a single layer.

Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Let the beef cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes.

This helps it brown nicely, which gives your casserole great flavor.

Once browned, take the beef out of the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Turn the heat down to medium.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.

Add the garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes.

Stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes.

These veggies will soften more in the oven, but cooking them a little first helps bring out their flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir it in well and cook for 1 minute.

Now sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir again.

This will help thicken the casserole later.

Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the cooked beef back into the pot.

Then mix in salt, pepper, dried thyme, and the bay leaf.

Stir everything together gently.

The sauce will look thin now, but it will thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Bake It Low and Slow

Cover your pot with a lid.

Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 2 hours.

This long, slow cooking time helps the beef become super tender and lets the flavors come together.

If you’re using a dish without a lid, just cover it tightly with foil.

After about 1 hour and 45 minutes, check the casserole.

The beef should be soft enough to cut with a fork, and the sauce should look thick and rich.

Step 6: Add Peas and Finish

Take the pot out of the oven and remove the bay leaf.

Add the frozen peas and stir them in.

The heat from the casserole will warm them up in just a few minutes.

Taste the sauce. If it needs more salt or pepper, now is the time to adjust it.

You can sprinkle chopped parsley on top for some color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve Beef Casserole

You can serve beef casserole just as it is—it’s a full meal on its own. But if you like, try it with:

Crusty bread or dinner rolls

Mashed potatoes

Rice or egg noodles

It’s also a great dish to pack in lunchboxes or save for a second meal later in the week.

Leftovers and Storage

This casserole stores really well.

Let it cool down completely before placing it in the fridge.

Store it in an airtight container and it will last for up to 3 days.

To freeze it, put it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips for Better Casserole

Use the right beef
Cuts like chuck roast or stew meat are best. They become tender with slow cooking.

Don’t rush
Baking low and slow makes the beef soft and juicy.

Thicken if needed
If the sauce is too thin after baking, simmer the casserole on the stove with the lid off for 10 minutes.

Add your favorites
Try mixing in mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of spinach at the end.

Final Thoughts

Beef casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a comfort food classic. It’s warm, flavorful, and brings everyone together at the table.

Best of all, it’s simple to make using ingredients you already have at home.

This recipe doesn’t need anything fancy.

With a little prep and a few hours in the oven, you’ll have a dish that feels like home with every bite.

So the next time you see stew meat on sale or want a meal that’s easy to love, give this beef casserole a try.

It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.