Tuscan Beef Casserole is the perfect dish for cozy family dinners, offering a rich, savory flavor profile with a satisfying blend of tender beef, vegetables, and beans. Whether prepared on the stove top, in an Instant Pot, or a slow cooker, this hearty casserole combines the best of Italian flavors with simple ingredients to create a wholesome, comforting meal. Packed with vegetables and white beans, this casserole is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a family favorite year-round.
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Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Beef Casserole
This Tuscan Beef Casserole stands out for its ease of preparation and versatility. It’s quick to cook, especially with the Instant Pot method, and it guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth beef experience with every bite. The rich flavors from balsamic vinegar, mixed herbs, and tender beef make this casserole a comforting meal for any occasion. It’s also a great option for a healthy, filling dish the whole family can enjoy, packed with hearty vegetables and beans.
Ingredients for Tuscan Beef Casserole
To prepare a delicious Tuscan Beef Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Stewing beef: Provides tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef, which are essential for the savory base.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the flavor of the casserole.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic, savory punch.
- Celery: Adds texture and a light, refreshing taste to the dish.
- Carrots: Provide sweetness and vibrant color to balance the savory elements.
- Mushrooms: Contribute an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
- Chopped tomatoes: These form the base of the gravy, adding acidity and freshness.
- Beef stock: Enhances the richness of the sauce, adding a deep, umami flavor.
- Mixed dried herbs: A blend of Italian herbs adds aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Fresh thyme: Infuses a fresh, woody taste that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, intensifying the richness of the sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity and balances the flavors in the dish.
- White beans (such as Cannellini or butter beans): These beans are a healthy addition, providing texture and creaminess.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy, giving it a rich, luxurious texture.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tuscan Beef Casserole
- Prepare the beef: Season the stewing beef with salt and black pepper. Heat a deep pot over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches, ensuring it gets a nice sear on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the pan: Add balsamic vinegar and a small amount of beef stock to the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, fresh thyme, onion powder, and the remaining beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Add beans: Stir in the white beans for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken the gravy: Mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then stir this into the casserole. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Season and serve: Taste the casserole, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Tuscan Beef Casserole
- Browning the beef: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. If you add too much at once, it will steam rather than sear, which can affect the final flavor.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.
- Use the right beans: Cannellini beans or butter beans work best, as they hold their shape well and add a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Thickening the gravy: If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch mixed with water. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef stock to reach your desired consistency.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Tuscan Beef Casserole pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or crusty bread for dipping. For a lighter side, try serving it with sautéed kale or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you’re looking to make it a bit spicier, add some chili flakes to the casserole or serve with a spicy salsa. You can also experiment with different beans or use a gluten-free thickener if you need to cater to dietary restrictions.
Seasonal and Nutritional Benefits of Tuscan Beef Casserole
This dish is perfect for colder months when you’re craving something hearty and filling. With a high protein content from the beef and beans, it’s also a great source of fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. The balsamic vinegar not only enhances the flavor but also brings a touch of acidity that helps to balance the richness of the beef.
By adjusting the cooking method to fit your available kitchen tools, whether it’s an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, Tuscan Beef Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that will become a staple in your meal rotation.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that the entire family will love!
Conclusion
Tuscan Beef Casserole is a perfect dish for anyone seeking a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove top, in an Instant Pot, or a slow cooker, the deep flavors and tender beef will impress your family and guests alike. The addition of vegetables, white beans, and aromatic herbs creates a wholesome, satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a family favorite for any occasion.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for Tuscan Beef Casserole?
Yes, you can use other cuts of meat, such as lamb or pork, to create a variation of the casserole. However, beef provides the most traditional flavor profile for this dish, so it’s recommended for the best results. You could also try lean cuts like sirloin or round steak if you prefer a lower-fat option.
How long does it take to cook Tuscan Beef Casserole in an Instant Pot?
Using an Instant Pot, the cooking time is reduced to around 45 minutes, including browning the beef and cooking the vegetables. After sautéing the beef and vegetables, pressure cook on high for 25 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Can I make Tuscan Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tuscan Beef Casserole actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze leftovers for later.
How can I make Tuscan Beef Casserole gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free when made as instructed. Just make sure the beef stock you use is gluten-free and substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickening agent if needed.
More Relevant Recipes
- Ina Garten Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Tuscan Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Tuscan Beef Casserole is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy white beans. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a wholesome, comforting meal with a variety of cooking options like stove top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 600g (21oz) lean stewing beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 sticks of celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped into large pieces
- 4 large mushrooms, sliced
- 1 400g (14oz) tin of chopped (diced) tomatoes
- 360ml (1.5 cups) beef stock
- Pinch of dried mixed herbs
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (puree)
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 439g (15.5oz) can of cannellini or butter beans
- 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch (cornflour)
- Cooking oil spray (olive oil)
- Salt and black pepper to season
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Heat a deep pot over medium-high heat, brown the beef in batches, then set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for a few minutes until softened.
- Add balsamic vinegar and a small amount of beef stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Return the beef to the pot, and add the mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, thyme, onion powder, and the remaining beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the white beans for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the casserole, and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the beef is browned in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Feel free to swap the cannellini beans for butter beans or any other preferred white beans.
- If using the Instant Pot, pressure cook on high for 25 minutes and allow for natural pressure release.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for later use.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure the beef stock and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 8.4g
- Sodium: 543mg
- Fat: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 34.3g
- Fiber: 10.8g
- Protein: 43.6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg