Tasty Beef Casserole
August 8, 2012
Tasty Beef Casserole
Slow Cooked Tender Beef Recipe
The beef falls apart, the spices and prunes impart a lush richness of flavor. This is cool weather comfort food.
I prepare this meal in advance so that it can be re-heated for dinner on my office work day. This is an example of a meal I make the meal the day prior to a work day. This is one of those meals that improve when re-heated the next day AND it basically cooks itself once you have done the preparation. It just simmers away on the stove top for awhile. It is an easy meal to get started and then leave to simmer while you do something else.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef – cubed (diced)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 brown onion – chopped finely
- 3 garlic cloves – chopped
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chopped preserved lemon
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 2 cups of beef stock (500 ml)
- 400 gram tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of pitted prunes (100 grams)
- fresh coriander to serve
Steps:
- Brown the meat on high heat then remove and set aside
- To the pan add the oil and onion and garlic and stir until it softens
- Add the dry herbs to the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Add the sugar, lemon, stock, water, tomatoes and bring to the boil
- Return the meat to the pot and reduce to a simmer
- Cook for 30 minutes covered
- Remove the lid and cook on a low simmer for a further 1 hour, stir occasionally
- Add the prunes in the last 5 minutes and stir to combine
- Serve with fresh coriander leaves and a side of rice or baked potatoes and vegetables, or crusty bread
Hints and Tips:
- Monitor the liquid level to ensure your simmer is not too high – add extra water if required (and turn down your simmer)
- This meal can be frozen
- Make in advance and eat the following day – it always tastes better the next day!
What is your family favourite meal that you make in advance?
Inspiring families to grow at least one fresh food item at home to experience the benefits of fresh food.
Kyrstie, where do you buy preserved lemon or do you make it yourself?
Hi Linda,
I keep bringing them in from my tree to preserve them but just haven’t gotten around to it so far. You can buy them from any good deli. Locally I know that there is a lovely deli/veg shop at the top end of Pakington St. In Highton Darriwill Farm stocks them too. They are a must for middle eastern flavoured dishes and great in a salad dressing (see the Shane Delia slow cooked chicken recipe). K
I am definitely trying this next!
Hi, Kyrstie, I’ve just found you via your guest Planning with Kids post on evening routine – this looks like a great recipe and I’m going to make it soon. : )
Thanks so much for stopping by Lulu. I am thrilled to have you reading 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.Kyrstie
Oh delicious! Pull apart perfection 🙂