Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole: 7 Steps to Comfort!

Name: Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole: 7 Steps to Comfort!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 500g beef mince; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery sticks, diced; 200ml dry sherry; 400g canned chopped tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 500ml beef stock; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

June 7, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a casserole bubbling away in the oven, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through the house instantly warms your heart. My favorite is this beef mince and sherry casserole—it’s rich, hearty, and simply perfect for those cozy evenings when you just want to snuggle up with a delicious meal. I remember one rainy Sunday, I whipped this up while listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops outside. The moment I took a bite, I felt like I was wrapped in a warm blanket of flavors. The depth from the sherry, paired with tender beef and veggies, makes this dish a true delight. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this for every chilly night ahead!

beef mince and sherry casserole - detail 1

Ingredients List

500g beef mince
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery sticks, diced
200ml dry sherry
400g canned chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
500ml beef stock
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Prepare the Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole

Sautéing Aromatics

Let’s kick things off by heating the olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat. You’ll want to let that oil shimmer a bit, which usually takes about a minute or so. Once it’s hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and you can smell that delicious aroma—trust me, it’s heavenly! Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to brown too much, as it can get bitter.

Incorporating Vegetables

Next, it’s time to add some color! Stir in the diced carrots and celery, and let them mingle with the aromatics for another 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building up those textures and flavors. You want the vegetables to soften a bit but still retain a bite. This will bring a lovely contrast to the tender beef that’s coming up next!

Browning the Beef Mince

Now, let’s add the star of the show: the beef mince! Crumble it into the pot and break it up with your wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to achieve a nice sear on the meat, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Look for that beautiful brown color—it’s where all the flavor hangs out! Don’t rush this step; browning the beef well will give your casserole an incredible depth of flavor.

Deglazing with Sherry

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to deglaze the pan! Pour in the dry sherry, and take a moment to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is where the magic happens, as it incorporates all those flavors back into your dish. Let it bubble for a minute or two, allowing the sherry to reduce slightly and infuse its rich flavor into the beef.

Combining Ingredients

Now, stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Make sure everything is well combined; you want to see that vibrant mixture come together beautifully. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, but don’t go overboard just yet—we’ll adjust it later!

Simmering the Casserole

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Now comes the best part—patience! Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the flavors meld beautifully, and your kitchen smells divine. Check occasionally to make sure it’s not sticking; a little stir now and then goes a long way!

Finishing Touches

When your time is up, remove the bay leaf and give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed; sometimes a pinch more salt can really elevate the flavors! Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it—a hearty beef mince and sherry casserole that’s sure to warm your soul!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data for each serving of my beef mince and sherry casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 80mg

Remember, this casserole is not just hearty and delicious; it’s also packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
The rich, hearty flavors will warm you from the inside out.
Perfect for meal prep; just make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
You’ll impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
It fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist.
It’s versatile—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
Comfort food at its finest, ideal for chilly nights or cozy gatherings.

Tips for Success

Even Browning: For a beautifully browned beef mince, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If your casserole dish is too small, brown the beef in batches. This allows the meat to sear rather than steam, giving you that delicious depth of flavor.
Seasoning as You Go: Adjusting the seasoning at different stages is key. Start with a little salt and pepper while browning the beef, then taste the mixture as it simmers. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your beef and sherry, the richer your casserole will be. Opt for a good dry sherry that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through in the final dish.
Let It Rest: If you can, let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making every bite that much more delicious!
Stir Occasionally: While it’s easy to forget about it once it’s simmering, give your casserole a gentle stir every now and then. This prevents sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end! It adds a lovely brightness and contrast to the hearty flavors. A little fresh herb goes a long way!

Variations on the Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to switch things up with this beef mince and sherry casserole! Here are a few of my favorite variations that can bring new life to this classic dish:

Mushroom Medley: Add a mix of sliced mushrooms when you incorporate the vegetables. They’ll add an earthy flavor and a lovely texture that complements the beef beautifully. Just sauté them until they’re golden before adding the beef.
Colorful Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers can bring a sweet crunch to the casserole. Toss them in with the carrots and celery for a vibrant twist. They’ll add a pop of color and extra nutrients!
Red Wine Substitute: If you’re not a fan of sherry, feel free to swap it out for a good-quality red wine. It’ll give you a different depth of flavor but still keep that comforting vibe intact. Just remember to let it reduce a bit longer to cook off the alcohol.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. They can give the dish a different aromatic profile that’s equally delightful. Fresh herbs added at the end can also brighten the flavors.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onion and garlic. It’ll give your casserole a warming kick!
Root Veggie Boost: Swap out some of the carrots and celery for parsnips or sweet potatoes. They’ll add sweetness and a lovely creaminess to the dish as they cook down.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability, so make it your own and enjoy the delicious results!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my beef mince and sherry casserole, you really want to think about what will complement those rich, hearty flavors. My absolute favorite pairing is creamy mashed potatoes. There’s just something magical about scooping up a generous portion of casserole with a dollop of buttery mash—it’s comfort food bliss!

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, crusty bread is another winning option. A fresh loaf, warm from the oven, is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to have something to mop up the plate!

For a lighter touch, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad will balance beautifully with the richness of the casserole, making for a well-rounded meal.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some roasted seasonal vegetables on the side. They’ll add color, texture, and a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the beef and sherry flavors. Whatever you choose, just know that this casserole is a showstopper, and it’s bound to be the star of your dinner table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious beef mince and sherry casserole, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them, ensuring you keep all those rich flavors intact.

To store, let the casserole cool completely in the pot before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best to divide it into individual portions if you plan to reheat only what you need. This way, you won’t have to keep reheating the entire batch, which can dry it out. Your casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it should be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

Now, for reheating, you have a couple of options. If you’re reheating on the stove, gently warm it over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor, so keep an eye on it to avoid sticking. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Microwaving is also an option for quick reheating, but be careful! Use a microwave-safe container, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Just remember, the key to keeping your casserole delicious is to reheat gently and not to overdo it. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.