Dinner

Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

ByNoah Steele November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

This beef and vegetable casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chunks of stewing beef simmer slowly with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and flavorful meal that satisfies every time.

A white bowl contains a rich, dark brown stew with visible chunks of tender meat, small round potatoes, and large pieces of carrot, all coated in a thick, glossy sauce. A sprig of fresh green parsley sits on top in the center, adding a pop of color. A black spoon is partially dipped into the stew on the right side of the bowl. To the left, a white plate shows a piece of bread with a golden-brown crust and sesame seeds, partially eaten. The dishes rest on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 celery sticks, thickly sliced
1 onion, chopped

2 really big carrots, halved lengthways then very chunkily sliced
5 bay leaves

3 sprigs thyme
1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp tomato purée

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 beef stock cubes, crumbled
850g stewing beef (featherblade or brisket works nicely), cut into large chunks

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/gas mark 3. Put the kettle on to boil water for later.
Step 2: In a large casserole, combine the celery, chopped onion, chunked carrots, bay leaves, and 1 sprig of thyme with the vegetable oil and butter. Cook gently for 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Stir in the plain flour until it no longer looks powdery, then add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled beef stock cubes. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Gradually pour in 600ml of the hot water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the beef chunks and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove.
Step 5: Cover the casserole with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef chunks in a hot pan before adding them to the casserole.
Add different root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes to vary the texture and taste.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a little more flour or cook uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat or in a microwave until steaming hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.