Lazy Weekend Beef Casserole
A hearty, slow-cooked beef casserole with rich flavors of red wine, onions, and tender beef, perfect for relaxed weekend meals with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup California Burgundy or Claret or other red dinner wine ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can undiluted condensed consomme ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef, wine, consomme, salt, pepper, and onion in a casserole dish.
- Mix flour with bread crumbs; stir into the casserole mixture.
- Cover and bake in a slow oven (300°F) for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a full-bodied red wine like a Merlot in place of California Burgundy. If you're out of consomme, beef broth works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-sliced onions and pre-cut beef from the store. This Lazy Weekend Beef Casserole is also great for meal prepping - you can make it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs well to balance the richness. For an added twist, consider drizzling some St. Paul'S Chili Sauce over the top for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 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 Lazy Weekend Beef Casserole contains roughly 493 calories, with 42g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% 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, you can use other cuts like brisket or chuck roast. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized chunks for even cooking. Tougher cuts benefit from the slow cooking process, making them tender and flavorful.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe without wine?
Certainly! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or even grape juice for a similar depth of flavor. The casserole will still be delicious without the alcohol.
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).