Easy Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole Recipe

The Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole is a delightful dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking. Just like a hug in a bowl, this recipe combines tender beef with rich, aromatic flavors, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress at a family gathering or simply wanting to enjoy a hearty meal on a chilly evening.

This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in about 15 minutes, with the slow cooker doing the rest over 6-8 hours.

Follow this guide to master Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Beef Casserole, complete with expert tips and serving suggestions.

What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole?

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Beef Casserole is a savory, slow-cooked stew that features chunks of succulent beef simmered with vegetables and herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a perfect example of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, yielding tender, fall-apart meat every time.

Other Popular Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole
• Hairy Bikers Beef Curry
• Hairy Bikers Beef Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply prepare the ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic.
• Rich and Flavorful: The long cooking time allows deep, complex flavors to develop.
• Versatile: This casserole can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

• Beef chuck roast (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces.
• Carrots (3 medium): Peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces.
• Celery stalks (2): Chopped.
• Yellow onions (2 medium): Peeled and chopped.
• Garlic cloves (4): Minced.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds richness.
• Red wine (250 ml / about 1 cup): Use a good quality wine that you would enjoy drinking.
• Beef stock (500 ml / about 2 cups): Preferably low sodium.
• Bay leaves (2): For aroma.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): For earthy flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the meat.

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the casserole.
• Frying pan: For browning the meat before slow cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Cutting board and knife: For preparing vegetables and meat.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until each piece is well-browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then put in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Deglaze the Pan: Pour the red wine into the pan, stirring to lift any browned bits off the bottom. Allow to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly, then transfer the contents to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Slow Cooking the Casserole

• Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the tomato paste, beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything.
• Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and breaks apart easily with a fork.

Step 3: Final Steps in Slow Cooking

• Check the Seasoning: After the cooking time is up, taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. This is the best time to fine-tune the flavors to your liking.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in some freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving to bring a touch of brightness to the dish.

What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole?

• Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Steamed Greens: Such as broccoli or spinach, for a touch of freshness.
• Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

• Sear the Meat: Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor of the casserole.
• Layer Flavors: Add fresh herbs in the last hour of cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir into the casserole. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, well-marbled beef and fresh vegetables as they contribute significantly to the taste and outcome of your casserole.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: After searing the meat, ensure all flavorful bits in the pan are fully incorporated into the sauce for maximum flavor.
• Slow Cook on Low: Resist the urge to cook on high to save time. Slow cooking on low ensures more tender meat and better-developed flavors.
• Balance Your Herbs: Use dried herbs for long cooking and add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant color and flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes to heat things up.
• Root Vegetables: Swap out some carrots and celery for parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different taste and texture.
• Wine Alternatives: Use a stout or porter beer instead of red wine for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche before serving to add a luxurious texture.
• Mushroom Add-In: Include a cup of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthy flavor boost.
• Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika to the spice mix to give the dish a subtle smoky note.