Name: Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (optional); Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is a hearty, rustic dish brimming lavors of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, tender beef, and hearty vegetables. Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, this casserole brings the warmth and comfort of the Italian countryside to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers with Tuscan-inspired ingredients like garlic, rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and delivers robust flavor in every bite. Great for meal prep, family dinners, or special gatherings.

Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Carrots, sliced
Celery, diced
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Fresh rosemary
Fresh thyme or dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper
Cannellini beans (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or casserole dish over medium-high heat.
Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches. Set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Add rosemary and thyme, and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook on low heat for 2–2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Optional: Add cannellini beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef and vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Add potatoes: Stir in peeled, cubed potatoes for a more filling casserole.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms and white beans instead of beef, and vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
Use different beans: Swap cannellini beans for kidney or chickpeas for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a covered pot over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just reheat and serve.

What cut of beef is best for this casserole?

Beef chuck or stewing beef works best due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and tomato paste labels to be sure.

Can I make it in the oven?

Absolutely. After step 7, transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) and bake covered for 2–2.5 hours.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, polenta, or over pasta.

Can I add greens like kale or spinach?

Yes, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

You can substitute diced fresh tomatoes for canned, but the sauce may be less rich unless you simmer longer.

How do I freeze individual portions?

Spoon cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Conclusion

Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is a soulful, slow-cooked meal that brings rustic Italian flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is a delicious and memorable addition to your recipe rotation.

Jane