Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

The Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables is a comforting dish that combines savory beef with an abundance of fresh vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this casserole offers rich flavors and heartwarming aromas. With its blend of herbs and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy cooks.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a deliciously savory experience.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a hearty main course any night of the week or for special occasions.
• Comfort Food Classic: This dish provides warmth and satisfaction, ideal for chilly days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal option.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This sturdy pot is perfect for slow baking, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
• Cutting board: A reliable surface for chopping ingredients helps maintain safety and cleanliness in the kitchen.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables easier and quicker, allowing you to prepare your ingredients efficiently.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring all flavors meld together well.

Ingredients

For the Beef Base

• 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dry apple vinegar
• 1 cup beef stock

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

How to Make Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Mixture

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Add the crushed tomatoes, dry apple vinegar, and beef stock into the pot. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven. Sprinkle in dried oregano and thyme. Mix everything gently to ensure that all flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Slow Bake

Cover your Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables!

How to Serve Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

Serving Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables is a great way to delight your family and friends. This hearty dish is perfect for gathering around the table, bringing warmth and comfort.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette to soak up the rich sauce.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully and adds a crunchy texture.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances the hearty casserole.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a delicious contrast to the casserole.

Offer Savory Rice

• Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs enhances the meal’s flavors and adds a nice texture.
• Garlic Butter Rice: Simple yet flavorful, garlic butter rice pairs perfectly with the robust beef.

How to Perfect Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

To achieve the best results for your casserole, consider these helpful tips. Each step will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality beef chuck ensures a tender and flavorful casserole.
• Sear Before Baking: Searing the beef cubes before adding them to the casserole locks in moisture and adds depth to the flavor.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place vegetables at the bottom of the pot so they absorb all the delicious juices from the meat as it cooks.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; it’s important to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

Pairing side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that go well with your casserole.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add richness to your plate.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with soft casserole.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch while being simple to prepare.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs offers a light touch alongside hearty beef.
5. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a comforting base that complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
6. Oven-Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sweetness that harmonizes well with rich beef dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking the beef. Slow-baking is key for tenderness, but monitoring cooking time is essential to prevent dryness.
• Don’t skip the vegetable prep. Properly chopping vegetables ensures even cooking and enhances flavor; take time to cut them uniformly.
• Be cautious with seasoning amounts. Too much or too little can drastically change the dish; start with recommended amounts and adjust to taste.
• Forgetting to let it rest after baking. Resting allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier; be patient before digging in.
• Ignoring container choices for storage. Use airtight containers to keep leftovers fresh longer, preventing spoilage and preserving taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the casserole has cooled down before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables?
The Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables is a hearty dish featuring tender beef and seasonal veggies simmered together for deep flavors.

Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for varied textures and tastes.

How do I make my Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole more flavorful?
Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking or using homemade broth instead of store-bought.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole is ideal for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated throughout the week.

Can I substitute beef with turkey or lamb?
Absolutely! Both turkey and lamb can be excellent substitutes, providing unique flavors while keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Final Thoughts

The Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that your family will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the hearty flavors of our Slow-Baked Tuscan Beef Casserole with Rustic Vegetables. This comforting dish combines succulent beef chuck with a medley of vibrant vegetables, slow-baked to perfection. Infused with aromatic herbs and a rich tomato-based sauce, this casserole is ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, while its satisfying taste promises to warm your heart. Perfectly paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lb beef chuck, cut into large cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dry apple vinegar
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste followed by crushed tomatoes, dry apple vinegar, and beef stock.
5. Return seared beef to the pot; add oregano and thyme. Mix gently.
6. Cover and bake in the oven for 2–3 hours until beef is tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 180 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg