Wild Eats & Treats!

Beef and Mushroom Casserole

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional; substitute with more broth if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Season the beef pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef in batches (avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and turned golden brown, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Casserole Base

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring to combine. This will form the rich sauce of the casserole.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Ensure all the ingredients are combined well.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the browned beef to the skillet, along with any collected juices. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. After 1 hour, uncover the casserole and stir in the frozen peas. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes until the peas are heated through.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving for added freshness and color.

Recipe Summary

This hearty Beef and Mushroom Casserole marries tender beef with earthy mushrooms in a richly flavored, aromatic sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting gathering with friends. The red wine adds depth to the sauce, complementing the robust flavors of beef and herbs beautifully. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this dish comes together quite quickly for something so sumptuous.

Each serving of this casserole is approximately 370 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent choice for a meal. Enjoy!