Oh, Tuscany. Just the *name* makes me want to pull on a comfy sweater and simmer something delicious all day! There’s just something so soul-satisfying about that rustic Italian cooking, y’know? And trust me, this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight? It’s like a big hug in a bowl. Seriously! It’s packed with tender beef, hearty veggies, and a rich, tomato-y broth that’s just begging to be soaked up with some crusty bread.
This is one of those recipes that’s *perfect* for a Sunday supper with the family. I remember my own Nonna used to make a similar beef stew – the whole house would smell incredible! It’s the kind of meal that just brings everyone together. I’ve tweaked her original recipe over the years (sorry, Nonna!), and I think this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is pretty darn special. I’ve been cooking this for years, and my family begs for it. So, I’m confident you’re going to love it! Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Okay, so why should you bother making this amazing Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight? Let me tell you! It’s:
- Super hearty and satisfying – perfect for a chilly evening.
- Packed with rich, complex flavors that’ll make your tastebuds sing.
- Surprisingly easy to throw together – even on a busy weeknight!
- Fantastic for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
Reasons to Make This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Seriously, this isn’t just *any* casserole. This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is a game-changer. I’m talking about a dish that becomes a family favorite, requested again and again. Here’s why:
Hearty and Satisfying
This casserole isn’t playing around! The beef is super tender, the veggies are chunky, and the beans add a creamy heartiness that really sticks to your ribs. It’s a complete meal in one pot, guaranteed to fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours. Trust me, no one will leave the table hungry!
Rich and Flavorful
Wow, the flavors! The combination of crushed tomatoes, red wine, and all those Italian herbs creates a symphony of deliciousness. The beef simmers in that sauce for hours, soaking up every single bit of flavor. My favorite part is the little kick from the red pepper flakes – just enough to warm you up without being too spicy.
Easy to Make
Don’t let the long simmering time fool you – this recipe is actually really simple! There’s nothing fancy or complicated about it. You basically just brown the beef, saute the veggies, dump everything in a pot, and let it simmer away. You can prep most of the ingredients while the beef browns, too, so it’s super efficient!
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is a meal-prepper’s dream! It tastes even better the next day (or the day after that!) as the flavors meld together even more. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, healthy lunches and dinners ready to go all week long. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for those crazy-busy nights.
Ingredients for Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight. Don’t worry, most of it’s pretty basic stuff! I always try to get the best quality I can find, especially for the beef – it really makes a difference. So, grab:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is actually super straightforward to make. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of hearty, flavorful goodness in no time. Promise! And remember, don’t stress too much – cooking should be fun!
Preparing the Beef for Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
First things first, let’s get that beef ready. Pat the beef stew meat dry with a paper towel (this helps it brown better, trust me!). Then, season it generously with salt and pepper. Like, *really* season it! Now, heat up your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. We want it nice and hot so we can get a good sear on the beef. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. You want a nice, deep brown color on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside – we’ll need it later!
Building the Flavor Base for Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Now for the veggies! Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot (the same one you browned the beef in – all those yummy browned bits will add tons of flavor!). Cook them until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – we’re building the flavor base here! You want the onions to be translucent and the carrots and celery to be slightly tender. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic, it goes bitter really fast!
Combining Ingredients and Simmering Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Alright, time to bring it all together! Stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer (that means little bubbles gently breaking the surface). Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid – you might need to add a splash more beef broth if it’s looking dry. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is super tender and practically falling apart. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
Adding Beans and Finishing the Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Almost there! Stir in your rinsed and drained cannellini beans and chopped fresh parsley. Cook for another 10 minutes or so, just to heat the beans through and let the parsley wilt slightly. And that’s it! Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is ready to serve. Woohoo! I always like to give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now, grab a bowl, some crusty bread, and dig in!
Tips for the Best Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Want to take your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time. These are the things I do that make *my* casserole extra special!
Choosing the Right Beef
Okay, so beef stew meat is the obvious choice, but not all stew meat is created equal! Look for pieces that are nicely marbled with fat – that’s where all the flavor and tenderness come from. Chuck roast is my personal favorite; just cut it into 1-inch cubes. It gets ridiculously tender after a long simmer. Avoid anything labeled “lean stew meat” – you want that fat!
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Sometimes, the sauce can be a little thin after simmering. No worries, easy fix! My Nonna taught me this one: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Then, stir it into the casserole during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up! If you want a richer sauce, you can also add a dollop of tomato paste while the veggies are sauteing. So good!
Variations on This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight Recipe
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight and loved it? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some variations! That’s the beauty of a good casserole – it’s super adaptable! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Adding Different Vegetables
Feel free to swap out or add in other veggies you love! Mushrooms would be amazing in this – I’d saute them with the onions, carrots, and celery. Zucchini or bell peppers would also be great additions. Just toss ’em in during the last hour of simmering so they don’t get too mushy. Oh! And some chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the very end would add a nice boost of nutrients!
Spice It Up
Want to kick up the heat a notch? I get it! Add a pinch more red pepper flakes, or even a finely chopped jalapeno pepper when you’re sauteing the veggies. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of some of the beef for an extra layer of flavor and heat. Just make sure to brown the sausage before adding the veggies. Yum!
Serving Suggestions for Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight bubbling away – now what? Well, you *could* just eat it straight out of the pot (I won’t judge!), but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal. My absolute favorite is serving it with some crusty Italian bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Polenta is also fantastic! And a simple green salad on the side adds a nice bit of freshness. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Got some questions about making this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Hopefully, this will help you feel even more confident in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Can I make Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for this kind of dish. Just brown the beef and saute the veggies as instructed, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans and parsley during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight?
You bet! This casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It might even taste better the second time around!
What kind of red wine should I use in Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight?
Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy! A dry red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works great. Just use something you’d actually enjoy drinking! I usually just grab whatever I have open. And hey, if you don’t have any red wine on hand, you can substitute it with more beef broth. It won’t have quite the same depth of flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
Storing and Reheating Your Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, or zap it in the microwave until it’s heated through. Easy peasy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Okay, so everyone always asks about calories! Keep in mind these are just estimates, but one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight clocks in around 450 calories. You’re also looking at roughly 25g fat, 30g protein, and 25g carbs. But hey, it’s homemade and packed with goodness! Treat yourself!
Rate This Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight Recipe
So, did you love this Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight as much as my family does? I sure hope so! If you made it, please take a sec to rate the recipe below! Your feedback helps other home cooks find delicious recipes, too. Happy cooking!
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Banish Sadness With Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Tuscan beef casserole with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Brown beef in olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer, then return beef to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Stir in cannellini beans and parsley. Cook for 10 minutes more.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread or polenta.
- You can use other types of beans, such as kidney beans or great northern beans.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the casserole during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
