🍲 Anytime Beef Casserole 🍲
Anytime Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a versatile and filling meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, its components, the steps to prepare it, and the estimated time needed to make it.
📜 History:
The history of beef casserole is closely tied to the development of casseroles themselves, which have been a staple in various cuisines for centuries. Casseroles were popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century as a convenient way to prepare and serve one-dish meals. Beef casseroles, in particular, gained popularity for their rich and savory flavors.
🥘 Components:
Ingredients for Anytime Beef Casserole typically include:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Brown the Beef: In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
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Add Vegetables and Flavorings: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, peas, diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Combine and Bake: Return the browned beef to the skillet, and stir everything together. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
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Bake: Bake for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
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Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve it hot. It’s a complete meal in one dish!
⏰ Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes
Anytime Beef Casserole is a wonderful dish that brings together the richness of beef, the earthiness of vegetables, and the comforting warmth of a casserole. Enjoy it as a family dinner or for gatherings anytime you crave a delicious, satisfying meal! 🍽️🥩🥕🥔🧀
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anytime Beef Casserole:
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/6 of the recipe):
- Calories: ~450
- Total Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: ~100mg
- Sodium: ~550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Dietary Fiber: ~5g
- Sugars: ~5g
- Protein: ~35g
🍽️ Health Information:
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Protein: This casserole is a good source of protein from the beef, which is important for muscle health and overall body function.
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Fiber: The vegetables and peas provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel full and satisfied.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains vitamins and minerals from the various vegetables, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
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Moderation: While this casserole is nutritious, it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation due to its moderately high calorie and fat content. You can adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.
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Balanced Meal: It’s a balanced meal with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a well-rounded choice for a satisfying dinner.
Remember that individual nutritional needs can vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. Enjoy your Anytime Beef Casserole in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍽️🥦🥩
