Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re yearning for a vibrant, sun-soaked supper that melts in your mouth, my Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe is about to become your new obsession! It slow-roasts tender beef with juicy peppers, sweet zucchini, and lots of summery flair—think hearty comfort with a fresh twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love a recipe where each ingredient truly counts? Every item in this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe brings something unique—velvety beef, sweet peppers, and even a pour of rich ale to create maximum flavor, color, and heartiness with simple pantry staples.

• Braising Beef (about 600 g / 1.3 lbs): Go for chuck or stewing steak—these cuts become meltingly tender with long, slow cooking.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For browning the beef and building flavor right from the start.
• Plain (All-Purpose) Flour (2 tbsp): Lightly coats the beef for a beautiful crust, plus thickens the sauce as it cooks.
• Salt & Pepper (½ tsp each): The all-important seasoning—don’t skip!
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the beef with gentle aromatic warmth.
• Guinness or Ale (330 ml / 11 oz): Adds a bittersweet richness and deep color—your casserole’s secret ingredient.
• Beef Stock (360 ml / 1½ cups): Builds a robust, savory foundation for that dreamy sauce.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers (1 each): Give pops of color, sweetness, and that unmistakable summer crunch.
• Courgette / Zucchini (1 small, chopped): Lends a buttery, mild flavor and a tender bite.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (3 tbsp): Savory, salty, and gilds the casserole with nutty goodness just before serving.
• To Serve—Fresh Parsley, Sliced Red Onion, Cooked Couscous: For brightness, gentle bite, and a perfect cozy base (try a spiced couscous for extra flair!).

Variations

This dish is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! Whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs or simply want to use what’s in your fridge, the Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe welcomes creativity with open arms.

• Swap in other vegetables: Try chunks of eggplant, carrots, or even cherry tomatoes for different bursts of flavor and color.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and double-check your ale if needed.
• Try a wine-based twist: Replace the Guinness with dry red wine for a more Mediterranean vibe—still delicious and deeply savory.
• Banish the beef: For a lighter or vegetarian version, use mushrooms and chickpeas instead of beef, and a good veggie stock.

How to Make Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C/325°F (fan). In a Dutch oven or sturdy casserole pan, heat the olive oil until just shimmering. Toss your beef in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, shaking off excess. Brown the meat in batches—don’t crowd the pan!—so every chunk develops a lovely golden crust. This step is pure flavor magic for your Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe.

Step 2: Build the Braising Base

Add the minced garlic to your browned beef and let it gently sizzle for a minute—just enough to become fragrant. Pour in the Guinness (or ale) and beef stock, scraping up those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then pop the lid on.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer the covered pan to your oven and let the beef gently braise for 3 hours. Check once an hour—if the casserole looks dry, add a splash of water. You’re looking for that rich, bubbling sauce and fork-tender meat (and your kitchen will smell incredible!).

Step 4: Fresh Summer Veggies

After 3 hours, lift the lid and tumble in your chunks of bell pepper and zucchini. They only need about 5 minutes in the oven to soften slightly but still keep their summery crunch—a signature of this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe!

Step 5: Finishing Touches & Serve

Take out the casserole, and while it’s still piping hot, scatter over the grated parmesan, plenty of bright parsley, and delicately sliced red onion. Serve with generous spoonfuls of fluffy couscous (a spiced blend like Ainsley Harriott’s is divine) and savor every summery, saucy bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh chopped parsley and a handful of thinly sliced red onion over each serving takes this casserole from rustic to radiant, adding a pop of color and a little peppery brightness over all that luxurious sauce.

Side Dishes

This casserole begs to be served with buttery couscous—its lightness perfectly soaks up that rich sauce. For extra flavor, try a Moroccan-style or herby blend, or swap in simple steamed rice, crusty bread, or fluffy mash if you want to mix things up.

Creative Ways to Present

I love piling the Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe onto a big family-style platter, sprinkled with herbs and parmesan for everyone to dig in. Or create individual bowls layered with couscous on the bottom, casserole on top, and a bright garnish—it’s ready-made comfort with restaurant vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors only intensify, making day-two lunches downright craveable!

Freezing

The Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully—simply portion into freezer-safe containers (without fresh parsley or onion garnishes), then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat portions in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed. The beef stays tender and the sauce is just as aromatic as the day you made it. Reheat couscous separately for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that captures summer sunshine in every spoonful, give this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe a try. It’s hearty, beautiful, and made to share—so pull up a chair, pour yourself something cold, and savor the flavors of the season!

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