Grandma’s Beef Stew Casserole

Classic comfort food made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and a rich homemade gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-size cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Brown the beef on all sides until nicely caramelized, then transfer to a casserole dish. Browning locks in flavor and gives a rich color to the stew.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat evenly. This will help thicken the gravy later.

3. Prepare the Gravy

Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Layer the diced potatoes, carrot chunks, and green peas over the browned beef in the casserole dish. Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the top, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Stir gently if needed to combine flavors without breaking up the vegetables.

5. Bake

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C / 340°F for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. Check halfway through and gently stir to ensure even cooking.

6. Finish & Serve

Remove the bay leaf and give the casserole a gentle stir. Serve hot, either on its own or with warm crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side salad for freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew Casserole

• Use beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• For deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) hold their shape better during baking.
• If you like thicker gravy, mix an extra tablespoon of flour with cold broth and stir in during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Nutrition (Estimated per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g