Excellent Beef Casserole
A hearty beef casserole featuring tender cubes of beef simmered in a savory broth with mushrooms and herbs, topped with mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of paprika. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it combines rich flavors and satisfying textures to create a classic, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 Tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 lb. boneless round steak, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 14 oz. can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 Tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 Tsp. crushed dried rosemary ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 cups frozen peas ⓘ
- 3 cups mashed potatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- Paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large resealable bag, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef cubes and shake to coat evenly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the beef in oil.
- Place the beef and drippings in a greased shallow 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- In the skillet, add water, beef broth, minced garlic, minced onion, thyme, and rosemary; bring to a boil.
- Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the baking dish.
- Mix well to combine.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Sprinkle thawed peas or drained corn over the meat.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Brush the mashed potatoes with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth mixture. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can work as a substitute. To reduce the cooking time, you can use beef stew meat instead of round steak. Make sure to let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
This beef casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a side of Judy'S Macaroni Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Beef Casserole contains roughly 767 calories, with 26g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and iron (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this casserole?
Yes, while boneless round steak is ideal, other cuts like chuck roast or sirloin can also work. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. Chuck roast will provide a bit more marbling, adding richness to the dish.
What can I use instead of frozen peas?
If you don't have frozen peas, you can substitute with frozen corn or green beans. Both options will add a nice touch of color and flavor. Just make sure to thaw and drain any frozen vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).