Savor the taste of Turkey with beef casserole recipe
Friends, gather around and listen to the story of a savory and tempting dish that will transport your taste buds on an adventure to the crossroads of Europe and Asia. A dish that will make you forget about the cold weather outside, and bring warmth and comfort to your home. I present to you, my Turkish Beef Casserole recipe.
I have always been fascinated by the traditional Turkish cuisine, which mixes different flavors and spices in a way that is both exotic and familiar. The Turkish beef stew, also known as “Tas Kebabi,” is a classic meat recipe in Turkey. It is slowly cooked with beef chuck cubes, tomatoes, green bell peppers, garlic, spices, and a touch of tomato paste.
As an Israeli chef, I have put my own spin on this Turkish-style beef stew recipe by adding onion, yellow bell pepper, canned chopped tomatoes with juice, and some Club House Turkish cabbage stew seasoning mix. This rich casserole is filled with tender juicy meat and vegetables that come together in perfect harmony. It is a perfect dinner on cold days and is a traditional dish from the heart of Turkey.
The dish is called “Tas Kebabi” or “Güveç” in Turkish; Güveç means casserole in English. The meal is so special that it is only made for special occasions such as weddings or religious celebrations.
This tantalizing casserole dish is packed with protein from lean beef and vegetable nutrients like tomatoes pepper and onions providing all-round good nutrition. In this recipe, the aroma from the slowly cooked beef will fill your kitchen while creating unforgettable flavor notes you won’t soon forget.
So come along with me now friends, let’s make some Turkish Beef Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear culinary enthusiasts, let me introduce you to a traditional Turkish beef casserole recipe that will make your heart – and taste buds – sing with joy. If you’re looking for a hearty and wholesome dinner option that’ll beat the cold weather blues, then look no further! This Turkish beef stew is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave a warm and comforting meal that satisfies your hunger and soothes your soul.
Why will you love this recipe, you may ask? Well, let me tell you. This slow-cooked beef vegetable stew is full of tender, juicy pieces of lean beef chuck, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and yellow onions. The meat is cooked to perfection in a tomato paste and spice-infused broth that’s seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and plenty of salt. The result is a deliciously seasoned dish that can be served hot or cold – either way, it’s sure to hit the spot.
As someone who loves experimenting with new flavors and cuisines, I can confidently say that this recipe will blow your taste buds away. It has all the elements of a traditional Turkish dish that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean region. From the rich aroma of garlic and spices to the tantalizing flavors of tender stewed beef nestled amidst fresh vegetables, this is a meal that’s designed to impress.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion – it makes an excellent weekday dinner option but is also sophisticated enough for a fancy dinner party spread. Don’t worry about not having enough time; this slow-cooked beauty makes life easier with how self-sufficient it is! Simply let it cook low and slow while going about your day; by dinnertime, it’ll be ready to eat without any additional fuss.
Overall, if you’re looking for a new go-to meal option that’s healthy and packs in all the flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine, then try out this Beef Casserole Recipe! Trust me; everyone at your table will love it.
Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) lean beef (beef chuck recommended)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
- 3 cups (720 ml) water or beef broth
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) smoked paprika
Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
Optional:
- Turkish eggplant or okra
Beef Stew Güveç – Classic Turkish Meat and Vegetable Stew
Before we dive in, let’s briefly talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Turkish Beef Casserole Recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all of the ingredients ready, it is time to dive in and start cooking our Turkish Beef Casserole recipe. Don’t worry, this recipe is relatively easy and straightforward, and the results are worth it all.
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
To start off, we need to prep some of our ingredients first. Begin by chopping your onion into small pieces and dicing your green bell pepper. Next, cut the lean beef into small cubes, about an inch in size. Make sure to remove any excess fat as it can give a fatty taste to your dish.
Step 2: Cooking the Beef
Next up is cooking the beef. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up some extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your beef cubes, and cook until they are brown on all sides. This should take around 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
Once your beef is cooked to perfection, add in your onions and green bell peppers into the pot with the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.
Step 4: Adding Tomato Paste and Spices
Add one tablespoon of tomato paste, two minced cloves of garlic, and spices such as salt, pepper, and paprika to bring out those middle-of-the-palate flavors that Turkish cuisine is known for!
Step 5: Slow-cooking with Vegetables
After your ingredients are properly combined, slowly pour in one cup of water into your pot. Add two cups each of chopped carrots and potatoes, as well as four cups of canned chopped tomatoes with their juices.
Make sure everything is thoroughly stirred together before putting it in a slow cooker. After eight hours on high or four hours on low heat, you’ll have tender juicy meat mixed with stewed vegetables – perfect for a cold evening dinner!
Step 6: Serve Hot with Some Sides
Our turkish beef casserole recipe pairs well with rice pilaf and sauteed green beans seasoned only with salt!
Substitutions and Variations
Darling readers, should you find yourself wanting to make some changes to the recipe, or should you have some dietary restrictions that prevent you from using certain ingredients, fear not! Here are some substitutions and variations that could work just as well in this recipe:
– For our vegetarian friends, you can leave out the beef and instead add extra vegetables to make a delicious vegetable stew güveç. Eggplant, potatoes, carrots and cabbage are all wonderful options that will soak up the flavors of the garlic and spices beautifully.
– You may also use lamb for a more traditional feel of tas kebabi turkish (Turkish beef casserole). The slow-cooked lamb will be tender, juicy and perfect for a cold weather.
– Lean ground beef is a great substitution for the beef chuck cubes. Just brown it in the pan before adding it to the stew.
– For those with a love affair with okra stew or sultan’s delight, you can add these Mediterranean-inspired vegetables to give this dish an even more authentic taste.
– For a healthier option or for those who are on a diet, consider using olive oil cooking spray instead of extra virgin olive oil when cooking the onions.
– If you’re feeling adventurous in your kitchen experimentation, try adding some red pepper flakes or hot paprika for a spicier kick to this classic meat recipe.
I do hope these substitutions and variations complement your tastebuds as they do mine. Remember my dear readers: “Variety is the spice of life.”
Serving and Pairing
The Turkish Beef Casserole recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is truly an explosion of flavors in your mouth with the tender juicy beef, a medley of vegetables and the blend of garlic, spices and tomato paste. You can serve this delicious casserole on its own or pair it with some of the classic Turkish sides to get the full Turkish experience.
A simple way to serve this dish is to top it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. If you want to add some crunch, you can also top it with roasted peanuts or cashews. Moreover, the casserole can also be paired with a side of traditional Turkish rice pilaf and steamed green beans garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Another perfect pairing for this traditional Turkish beef stew recipe would be bread such as pita or naan bread. This would help soak up all that hearty beef juice which might spill over during serving. Or you can choose to double up on the carbs by serving hot crusty bread on the side.
Finally, for those looking for more adventurous pairings, you can serve your tas kebabi (Turkish beef casserole) alongside other classic Turkish dishes such as Sultan’s Delight (aubergine puree), Okra Stew, Moussaka or Hunkar Begendi (a lamb stew served with an eggplant puree).
Regardless of how you serve it, this flavorful and comforting dish will definitely warm your heart from your belly during those cold winter nights.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with many stews and casseroles, the Turkish Beef Casserole makes for an excellent make-ahead dish. You can easily prepare the meal a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious dish.
To store the beef casserole, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat it, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it warm up evenly when reheated.
To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can also reheat the casserole on the stovetop over medium heat.
If you have leftovers from this dish, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. The stew can be reheated using any of the above methods depending upon your preference.
When reheating, ensure that the beef casserole is heated through before serving. This will guarantee that each bite is just as tasty as it was right after being cooked fresh. Enjoy this hearty meal on cold winter nights, or make a big batch over the weekend so you’ll have something delicious waiting for you during busy weeknights!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing a delicious and hearty Turkish beef casserole requires some cooking techniques that can enhance the taste and texture of the dish. As an experienced chef, I have some tips for you to achieve perfect results every time you make this traditional Turkish stew. From selecting quality ingredients to using the right cooking equipment and methods, these tips will help you make a savory and tender beef casserole.
1. Choose Lean Cuts of Beef
When making a beef stew, it’s important to choose lean cuts of meat that are well-marbled, such as beef chuck. This cut is perfect for slow-cooking stews because it becomes tender and juicy when cooked over low heat. Also, trim the excess fat before cutting the beef into cubes of equal size.
2. Use Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Instead of using vegetable oil or regular olive oil, use extra-virgin olive oil to add richness and depth of flavor to your casserole. It also has more health benefits than other oils due to its high content of antioxidants and healthy fats.
3. Add Vegetables at the Right Time
To ensure that your vegetables are cooked perfectly in the stew, always add them at the right time according to their texture and cooking time. Harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be added first, followed by softer ones like bell peppers and tomatoes.
4. Taste for Salt
It is essential to season your casserole with salt to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. However, it’s easy to go overboard with salt when cooking a stew since it takes longer time to cook than other dishes. Therefore, taste your stew before adding an additional pinch of salt.
5. Cook Over Low Heat
A traditional Turkish beef casserole is slow-cooked over low heat for several hours until the meat is tender and fully infused with flavors from spices and vegetables. Therefore, be patient while cooking your casserole and don’t rush it by cranking up the heat.
By following these tips, you can create a perfect beef casserole that will warm your heart on cold days or impress your guests on special occasions. Remember that good food takes time, effort, and passion!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Turkish Beef Casserole Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to warm up on cold days with a traditional Turkish stew. With its tender and juicy meat, savory vegetables, and delicious blend of spices, it’s guaranteed to cure your winter blues and leave you satisfied.
Furthermore, the recipe allows for substitutions and variations to suit any taste preferences, making it a versatile option for families or individuals. Plus, make-ahead and storage options allow for easy meal prepping or leftovers that taste just as good as the first serving.
So why not take a chance and try out this tantalizing dish? Whether you are looking to expand your culinary horizons or simply enjoy a classic meal, this Turkish Beef Casserole Recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy!
Turkish Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg lean beef, cut in 2 cm cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan, add onion and saute until soft.
- Remove seeds and rib of pepper, chop, add to saucepan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add beef cubes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cut tomatoes into small pieces, add to suacepan and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add stock and thyme.
- Season with salt and simmer for about half an hour.
- Serve with cooked rice.