Extremely Tasty Rich Beef Casserole

This casserole has to be the richest, tastiest casserole, possibly ever!  The beef and vegetables emerge from the oven so sumptuous, and the juices are so rich with red wine, ginger, garlic, thyme, it is almost decadent!  We have it as a midweek meal, but it can easily be served as a special supper with a good red wine, and equally good friends!

I try not to be put off with the time it takes to prepare and cook, as it easily covers meals for 2 days for two people.  You could boost up the quantities of ingredients (particularly the beef, mushrooms and carrots) if there are more than two diners, to make your casserole cover two days too!  It is very worth the effort.  I like to serve it on a bed of Baked Mashed Potato (recipe to follow), and a green vegetable such as Pak Choi or Broccoli.  The recipe below serves four...

You will need:

• 270g (approx) lean stewing steak, cubed  
• 1 good sized carrot - chopped into chunks
• 6 small shallots cut into quarters
• 6-8 medium sized mushrooms (Chestnut or Portabello are best)
• Tin of tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• Splash of olive oil
• Sprinkle of flour
• 400 ml of stock (I use 2 beef stock cubes and 1 vegetable stock cube)
• 100 ml of red wine
• 1/2 teaspoon tomato puree
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic puree (or 2 cloves crushed)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• black pepper
• 2 tablespoons single cream to finish

Method:

1.  Heat olive oil in ovenproof pan (shallow is better but does need a lid)

2.  Brown the steak, and add flour

3.  Add shallots, carrots, and mushrooms and cook until tender

4.  Add tinned tomatoes

5.  Make up 400 ml of stock in a jug and add the garlic puree (or crushed cloves), tomato puree, and stir into the meat and vegetables

6.  Add remaining ingredients, except the cream

7.  Bring to the boil, put lid on pan, and put in oven on 160 C (fan) for about 2 hours.  Stir after about 1 hour.

8.  Just before serving, stir in the cream

9.  Serve with Baked Mashed Potato and green vegetable

Not exactly Fine Dining, but so yummy!