One of the most appealing aspects of a Beef Hot Pot Casserole is its rich, layered flavor. The combination of tender beef, sweet carrots, aromatic onions, and savory thyme creates a depth of taste that is hard to beat. The thinly sliced potatoes on top add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
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Beef Hotpot
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Beef Hotpot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 500 g 1 pound ground beef (or beef+pork mixed)
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 3 tablespoon flour
- 400 ml 14 oz beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 500 g 1 pound potatoes, washed and sliced thinly
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and saute onions, carrots and celery. Cook for 10 minutes.2 tablespoon butter, 1 medium white onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk
- Mix in beef or beef and pork mixture and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Mix in flour and tomato paste, then pour beef stock and add bay leaves and thyme.500 g 1 pound ground beef (or beef+pork mixed), 3 tablespoon flour, 400 ml 14 oz beef stock, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoon tomato paste, 2-3 thyme sprigs
- Cook for 10 more minutes, until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer beef filling into a casserole pan and spread out evenly. Top with potato slices and bake covered for 1 hour.500 g 1 pound potatoes, washed and sliced thinly
- Remove the foil and cook for 30 minutes at 200C/400F or until potatoes are golden and fully cooked.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 500 g (1 pound) ground beef (or beef+pork mixed)
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 tablespoon flour
- 400 ml (14 oz) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 500 g (1 pound) potatoes, washed and sliced thinly
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
In a large skillet, melt butter and saute onions, carrots and celery. Cook for 10 minutes.
Mix in beef or beef and pork mixture and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cok for approximately 10 minutes, drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Mix in flour and tomato paste, then pour beef stock and add bay leaves and thyme.
Cook for 10 more minutes, until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer beef filling into a casserole pan and spread out evenly. Top with potato slices and bake covered for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and cook for 30 minutes at 200C/400F or until potatoes are golden and fully cooked.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Beef Hot Pot Casserole to a complete meal. Here are some ideas to complement this hearty dish:
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole. Try adding some sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can add color and nutrients to your plate. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten their flavor.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the casserole. Consider a whole grain or sourdough variety for a rustic touch.
Remember, the goal is to create a meal that’s balanced in flavor and nutrition. These sides not only enhance the taste of the casserole but also contribute to a well-rounded dining experience.
⏲️Chef's Tip
To achieve the best results with your Beef Hot Pot Casserole, follow these expert tips:
- Brown the Meat: Browning the beef (or beef and pork mixture) before adding it to the casserole enhances its flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely caramelized.
- Layer the Potatoes Evenly: Thin, even layers of potatoes ensure they cook uniformly and become beautifully crispy. Overlapping them slightly can also create a lovely texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your dish well. Salt and pepper are essential, but herbs like thyme and bay leaves add depth. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure a balanced flavor.
These small steps can make a big difference, turning a good casserole into a great one.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, the Beef Hot Pot Casserole can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking as instructed.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole and cool it completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes based on your preference. While russet potatoes are commonly used for their starchy texture, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also work well. Each variety will offer a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Certainly! This casserole is quite versatile, and adding other vegetables can enhance its flavor and nutritional profile. Feel free to include vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or even parsnips. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the potatoes might not retain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Layer the potatoes on top and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Note that the potatoes may not get as crispy as they would in the oven.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Making this casserole gluten-free is simple. Ensure all your ingredients, especially stock and any seasoning mixes, are certified gluten-free. You can also thicken the sauce with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Certainly. While beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with lamb, pork, or even chicken, depending on your preference. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the type of meat you use, so adjust accordingly.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you enjoyed making the Beef Hot Pot Casserole, why not continue your culinary adventure by jumping into the world of potatoes? Here are a few of my favorite potato-centric casserole recipes to try:
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