There’s just something magical about casseroles, don’t you think? They’re like a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for family dinners when you want to nourish both body and soul. My beef mince and sherry casserole is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, and trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have them eagerly anticipating the first bite! This hearty dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the rich sherry that adds a delightful depth to the beef and vegetables. It’s so simple to whip up, yet it feels special enough for a Sunday family gathering or a cozy weeknight feast. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml sherry
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
How to Prepare Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once that’s nice and hot, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it until it’s soft and translucent—that usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!
Next up, stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots. Cook those together for another 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the beef mince! Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all over, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; you want that lovely caramelization!
Once the meat is browned, pour in the sherry and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step really deepens the flavors, so don’t skip it! After the sherry has reduced a bit, add in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and then pour in the beef broth.
Bring your casserole to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together beautifully! Once it’s all done, serve it hot, and just watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your beef mince and sherry casserole, here are a few tips that I swear by! First off, don’t hesitate to sneak in some extra veggies. Peas or bell peppers can add a lovely pop of color and nutrition. If you’re out of sherry, a splash of red wine or even balsamic vinegar can do the trick—just adjust the seasoning as needed! And if you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. My favorite trick? Serve it with a crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce—trust me, it’s the best part! Also, this dish is perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen over time. Enjoy the cozy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- One-pot wonder means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal!
- The rich flavor from the sherry gives it a special touch that impresses everyone.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition and color.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if you have any!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of my beef mince and sherry casserole! Each serving is packed with goodness, making it a fulfilling meal choice. On average, you can expect about 450 calories per serving, which is pretty solid for a hearty dish. You’ll also get around 30 grams of protein—perfect for keeping you satisfied!
As for the fats, there’s roughly 22 grams, with 8 grams being saturated fat. Don’t worry, it’s all part of that rich and comforting flavor. In terms of carbs, you’re looking at about 30 grams, which is balanced out by 4 grams of fiber. Just remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used. So, dig in and enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re treating yourself right!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my beef mince and sherry casserole:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of beef, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary, as these meats can cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have sherry?
No problem at all! If sherry isn’t on hand, a splash of red wine or even a bit of balsamic vinegar can add that depth of flavor. Just taste as you go and adjust the seasoning!
How do I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can get creative here! Try adding peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for an extra flavor boost. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using veggies that cook faster!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your beef mince and sherry casserole is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then pop it in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I recommend gently warming it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. Enjoy every comforting bite all over again!
Print
Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty beef mince and sherry casserole that is full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml sherry
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, carrots, and beef mince, cooking until the meat is browned.
- Pour in the sherry and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Best served with crusty bread.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Casserole
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: beef mince, sherry, casserole
