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- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large carrots, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half - 2 cups kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups beef broth - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (for garnish) When you make Tuscan Beef Casserole, you need some key ingredients. First, you need beef chuck. This meat is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and full of flavor. Next, gather fresh vegetables. You will use onion, garlic, carrots, celery, green beans, and kale. Each adds a tasty touch. They also make the dish colorful and healthy. You will also need canned tomatoes and beef broth. These ingredients help create a rich sauce that brings everything together. For spices, use dried oregano and dried rosemary. They give the casserole its signature Tuscan flavor. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, finish with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. The cheese melts into the dish, making it creamy. The basil adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. With these ingredients, you can create a hearty and flavorful meal that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, prepare your Dutch oven. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Add 1.5 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Don't crowd the pan; do this in batches. Brown the beef on all sides. This gives it a tasty crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside. In the same pot, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes. Stir them often. You want the onion to be soft and clear. This step builds the base flavor of your dish. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add one can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Mix in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure everything combines evenly. Next, turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally. This helps the beef become tender and soak up the flavors from the veggies and herbs. After 1.5 hours, it’s time to add the greens. Stir in 1 cup of trimmed green beans and 2 cups of chopped kale. Cook for another 15 minutes. The greens should wilt and become tender. Look for a bright green color to know they are done. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts completely. This adds a creamy finish to the casserole. Serve generous portions in bowls. Add more Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh basil for color and flavor. Enjoy! Using homemade broth makes this dish taste richer. Store-bought broth works too, but it can lack depth. If you want a unique taste, try swapping spices. For instance, use thyme instead of oregano or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Searing the meat correctly is key. It locks in flavor and adds a nice crust. Make sure the pan is hot before adding beef. This helps to brown it evenly. For cooking greens, add them at the right time. Green beans and kale should go in about 1.5 hours into cooking. They need time to soften but should not become mushy. Serve this hearty casserole with crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up all the rich sauce. A fresh salad pairs nicely too, adding a crisp balance to the meal. To elevate presentation, use colorful bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a nice finish. A few fresh basil leaves add a pop of green and enhance the dish’s appeal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and texture, use beef chuck as it becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked. Layer Your Flavors: Don't rush the browning of the beef; a good sear adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall flavor. Fresh Herbs Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste. They can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Consistency: If the casserole seems too thick after cooking, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. {{image_4}} You can easily change the beef in this casserole. Try using brisket or round steak. For a lighter option, chicken thighs work great. If you want to skip meat, go for lentils or chickpeas. They soak up the flavors well. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on the season. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, use butternut squash or sweet potatoes. The goal is to keep it fresh and colorful. If you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free broth and check your canned tomatoes. For those who are dairy-free, leave out the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste without the dairy. For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add more veggies, like mushrooms and eggplant. You can also use vegetable broth for a rich flavor. To add some heat, try crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. These spices can give your casserole a nice kick. Herbs can also transform the dish. Besides oregano and rosemary, consider thyme or parsley. Fresh herbs can make it taste bright and lively. Experiment with what you have! To store your Tuscan beef casserole, let it cool first. Place it in a container with a tight lid. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe and fresh. You can enjoy the leftovers for up to four days. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Use plastic wrap to cover the top, then seal it with a lid. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge for a day to thaw. For quick reheating, you can microwave individual portions. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about four days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it has a strange smell or color, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Sear the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method keeps the beef tender and the flavors deep. Just remember, less liquid may be needed since slow cookers trap moisture. I suggest pairing this dish with: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh green salad - Mashed potatoes for a creamy side - Roasted vegetables for extra nutrients These sides will complement the hearty flavors of the casserole well. You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Make the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Ensure it reaches a safe temperature before serving. This makes meal prep easier! Absolutely! To add heat, try these options: - Mix in red pepper flakes while cooking. - Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef. - Add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. These changes will give your casserole a fun twist and keep it exciting! This Tuscan Beef Casserole blends simple ingredients for maximum flavor. You learned about key components like beef, fresh veggies, and spices. Each step, from searing to garnishing, builds a hearty dish. Tips enhance taste, and variations offer creativity to suit your needs. Whether you add spice or swap ingredients, this meal is versatile. Finally, proper storage keeps leftovers tasty and safe. Enjoy your cooking journey, knowing you'll create a meal everyone loves.

Hearty Tuscan Beef Casserole

A rich and flavorful beef casserole with vegetables and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, diced into small pieces
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
  • 2 cups kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Beef: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides for a perfect crust. After browning, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, introduce the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these ingredients for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion turns translucent.
  • Combine Everything: Return the browned beef back to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
  • Simmer to Perfection: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the beef to become tender and infused with the rich flavors of the vegetables and herbs.
  • Incorporate the Greens: After 1.5 hours of simmering, add the trimmed green beans and chopped kale to the casserole. Stir the greens into the dish and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
  • Create a Cheesy Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely and creates a creamy, rich texture throughout the casserole.
  • Serve with Flair: Ladle generous portions of the hearty casserole into bowls. To elevate the dish, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, Tuscan