Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Published: October 24, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: This casserole requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and tomatoes creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the beef.
Versatile Serving: Perfect on its own or served with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Perfect Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chopping knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, ensuring even heat distribution for tender meat.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Chopping knife: Essential for quickly preparing vegetables and meat into uniform pieces.

Ingredients

For the Beef Casserole

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry white grape juice (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by chopping all vegetables and cutting the beef into cubes. This will streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
* Brown the meat on all sides for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Once the beef is browned:
* Remove it from the pot and set aside.
* In the same pot, add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery.
* Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the pot:
* Stir in canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, dry white grape juice (if using), and tomato paste.
* Add dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano for flavor.

Step 5: Slow Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* Cover the pot with a lid or foil.
* Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for about 2–2.5 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done baking:
* Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Serving your Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. This hearty dish pairs well with a range of accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

Classic Pairings

Crusty Bread – Offer slices of fresh, crusty bread for dipping into the savory sauce.
Garlic Bread – A side of garlic bread adds a fragrant touch and complements the casserole’s earthiness.

Fresh Salads

Simple Green Salad – A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad create a delicious balance.

Creamy Sides

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base to absorb the casserole juices.
Creamed Spinach – This classic side adds richness and pairs nicely with the beef flavors.

How to Perfect Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Creating the perfect Slow-Baked Beef Casserole requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

Use Quality Meat – Opt for fresh, high-quality beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness.
Sear the Meat – Browning the beef in olive oil before baking enhances its depth of flavor.
Layer Flavors – Add garlic and onion early in the cooking process for a well-rounded taste.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; adjust herbs according to your preference for a personalized touch.
Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps meld the flavors together.
Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, ensuring all flavors remain intact.

Best Side Dishes for Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Pairing your casserole with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that work well alongside your Slow-Baked Beef Casserole.

Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Polenta – Creamy polenta serves as a comforting base, soaking up all those delicious juices.
Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf, seasoned lightly, provides a nice contrast without overpowering flavors.
Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and is healthy; steam it lightly to retain its crunch.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the casserole.
Baked Potatoes – Simple baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or chives as a versatile side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef: Slow-baking is key, but if you cook the beef for too long, it can become tough. Aim for a cooking time of around 3 hours.
Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef and vegetables can lead to a dull flavor. Take the time to sauté them for better taste.
Using old herbs: Old or stale herbs lose their potency. Always check the freshness of your dried herbs before adding them to your dish.
Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your casserole bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Neglecting to layer flavors: Adding all ingredients at once can result in missed flavor opportunities. Layer ingredients gradually for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Place in a freezer-safe container.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes?
A slow-baked beef casserole is a hearty dish made with tender beef, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, slowly cooked for maximum flavor.

Can I customize the Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

How do I know when my Slow-Baked Beef Casserole is done?
The casserole should be bubbling and the beef should be fork-tender when it’s ready to serve.

What can I serve with Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes?
Pair it with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This rustic Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes is not just flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or herbs based on your preference. Try making this comforting dish today; it’s sure to impress!

0 Shares

Slow-Baked Beef Casserole with Herbs and Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe