🍂 Beef Liver & Bacon Casserole 🍂
Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey with this Beef Liver & Bacon Casserole, a heartwarming dish that transforms humble liver into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. The combination of crispy bacon, savory beef liver, and a medley of vegetables baked to perfection makes this casserole a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and nourishment in every bite. Let’s dive into the details and create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
Preparation and Cooking Time ⏰
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Ingredients 🌿
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable Beef Liver & Bacon Casserole:
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 cup of flour
- 6 teaspoons of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 pound beef liver, cut into strips
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of condensed beef broth
- 1 cup of diced potatoes
- 6 sliced carrots
Nutritional Information 🍽️
Per serving, this casserole offers a rich nutritional profile:
- Calories: 616.9
- Fat: 15.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 327.4 mg
- Sodium: 1762.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 82.7 g
- Fiber: 10.5 g
- Sugar: 8.2 g
- Protein: 37.9 g
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1. Preparing the Bacon 🥓
- Begin by sautéing the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
- Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet as they will be used to cook the liver and vegetables.
2. Dredging the Liver 🍖
- In a medium-sized paper sack or a large zip-top bag, combine 4 tablespoons of flour, the package of dry onion soup mix, salt, and pepper.
- Add the liver strips to the sack or bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until the liver is well-coated with the flour mixture.
- Save any remaining flour mixture for later use.
3. Sautéing the Liver and Vegetables 🍳
- Heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the floured liver strips, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the skillet.
- Sauté until the liver is browned on all sides and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assembling the Casserole 🥘
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the sautéed liver and vegetables to a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the liver and vegetables.
- Pour the condensed beef broth over the entire mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. Baking the Casserole 🔥
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the cover and add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the casserole.
- Cover the dish again and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the liver is fully cooked.
6. Finishing the Dish 🍲
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove the dish from the oven.
- Carefully transfer the liver and vegetables to a warm platter, leaving the liquid behind in the casserole dish.
- Place the casserole dish with the remaining liquid on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk the reserved flour mixture into the liquid, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, pour it over the liver and vegetables on the platter.
Serving Suggestions 🍴
Serve this delightful Beef Liver & Bacon Casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added freshness. Pair it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll would complement the meal perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Tips and Tricks 🌟
- Choosing the Liver: When selecting beef liver, opt for pieces that are deep red and have a smooth, glossy surface. Fresh liver should have a mild scent.
- Soaking the Liver: To reduce the strong flavor of beef liver, you can soak it in milk for 1-2 hours before dredging it in the flour mixture. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who are not accustomed to the taste of liver.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables in this casserole. Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the liver.
Conclusion 🌼
This Beef Liver & Bacon Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. The rich flavors of the liver, enhanced by the smoky bacon and the tender, flavorful vegetables, make for a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re a liver enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this casserole is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, wholesome meal, and let it become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. 🍽️❤️
