One Pot Beef Casserole: The Easiest, Best Recipe EVER

One pot beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly evening. This isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating a warm, flavorful hug in a bowl. Growing up, my grandmother would make a similar dish, and the aroma alone was enough to chase away any blues. Now, I'm sharing my updated, streamlined version with you.

This one pot beef casserole dish is both simple and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Ready to warm your kitchen and your soul? Let’s get started!

Why You Will Love This one pot beef casserole Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this one pot beef casserole. First, the convenience is unbeatable. Everything cooks together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Second, the hearty beef and tender vegetables create a deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a complete meal in one pot so you don’t need to spend time preparing sides!

Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing that a warm, comforting dinner is just a short time away. This recipe truly delivers. And let’s not forget the incredible flavor. The rich, savory gravy coats every morsel, making each bite a delightful experience. This one is a crowd pleaser! Oh, and if you’re looking for another satisfying recipe, you might like our Honey Teriyaki Salmon.

Ingredients Needed for This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create your very own delicious one pot beef casserole:

• Beef:
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetables:
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas
• Broth/Sauce:
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Thickener:
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

How to Make This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering one pot beef casserole:

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
3. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until all sides are browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Return the beef to the pot.
6. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Add the potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
9. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot and stir well. Simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
10. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 3 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot and enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Protein Cookie Recipe for a healthy dessert option!

How to Serve This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Serving your one pot beef casserole is all about highlighting its hearty appeal. Ladle generous portions into bowls and consider these serving suggestions:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a burst of freshness and color.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
• Sides: A simple side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Topping the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy tang.

How to Store This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Proper storage ensures your one pot beef casserole remains delicious for days to come:

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled casserole to freezer safe containers or zip top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your one pot beef casserole is a success:

• Beef Quality: Use high quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Browning: Make sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
• Simmering Time: Be patient with the simmering time, as this is crucial for tenderizing the beef and developing the rich flavor.
• Vegetable Consistency: Add the potatoes later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Helpful Notes for This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Some additional notes to help you along the way:

• Beef Broth: If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and richness to the gravy. Don't skip it! If you want to try something a little different, try our Hamachi Crudo recipe.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pot to avoid clumps.

Variation of This one pot beef casserole Recipe

Here are a few fun variations to try with your one pot beef casserole:

• Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy flavor.
• Wine Infusion: Stir in a half cup of red wine after browning the beef for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Sweet Potato Swap: Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This one pot beef casserole is more than just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate, a comforting reminder of home cooked goodness. From the tender beef to the flavorful gravy and the hearty vegetables, every bite is a celebration of simple, satisfying ingredients. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create your own batch of this delightful one pot beef casserole. Share your creations and questions in the comments below. I can't wait to hear about your experience!

One Pot Beef Casserole: The Easiest, Best Recipe EVER

A hearty and comforting one pot beef casserole featuring tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy weekends.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.\nHeat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat.\nBrown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until all sides are browned. Remove the beef and set aside.\nAdd the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.\nReturn the beef to the pot.\nStir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.\nAdd the potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.\nIn a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.\nPour the cornstarch slurry into the pot and stir well. Simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened.\nStir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 3 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, add a half cup of red wine after browning the beef. You can substitute white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth will work.