Turkish Style Savory Beef Casserole
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Turkish Style Savory Beef Casserole. Tender chunks of lean beef are slow-cooked with vibrant vegetables, including sweet bell peppers and juicy tomatoes, all infused with aromatic thyme and rich beef stock. This dish not only makes for a hearty dinner but also brings a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine to your table. Serve it over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal for the whole family.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean beef
1 kg (cut into 2 cm cubes)
yellow onion
1 large (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 medium (seeded and chopped)
ripe tomatoes
3 medium (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
salt
to taste
beef stock
1 cup
ground thyme
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Remove the seeds and ribs from the green bell pepper, chop it finely, and add it to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Introduce the beef cubes to the saucepan, cooking for about 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
5
Chop the ripe tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the mixture in the saucepan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.
6
Pour in the beef stock and sprinkle the ground thyme into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
7
Season with salt to taste, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and allow it to cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
8
Once done, remove from the heat and serve hot over cooked rice for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkish Style Savory Beef Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring tender lean beef slow-cooked with vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, seasoned with aromatic thyme and beef stock.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of lean beef cut into 2 cm cubes for the best results.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it ideal for a family meal.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The primary vegetables used are one large yellow onion, one medium green bell pepper, and three medium ripe tomatoes.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the onions and beef.
How long should I sauté the yellow onion?
The chopped yellow onion should be sautéed for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
When should I add the green bell pepper?
After the onion is soft, add the finely chopped green bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
The beef cubes should be cooked for about 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides, stirring frequently.
What is the next step after browning the beef?
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped ripe tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes to allow them to soften.
What liquid is used to cook the casserole?
The recipe uses 1 cup of beef stock to create a rich sauce for the beef and vegetables.
What herb provides the primary seasoning?
One teaspoon of ground thyme is used to give the dish its characteristic aromatic flavor.
How long does the casserole need to simmer?
The casserole should simmer on low heat, covered, for approximately 30 minutes until the beef is tender.
What is the recommended side dish?
This Turkish Style Savory Beef Casserole is best served hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While yellow onion is specified for its balance of sweetness, you could use white or red onion as a substitute.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
The recipe does not require peeling, but you should chop the three medium ripe tomatoes into small pieces.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a savory dish focused on the flavors of thyme and beef stock rather than heat from peppers.
Can I use dried thyme instead of ground thyme?
Yes, dried thyme can be used, though ground thyme integrates more quickly into the sauce during the 30-minute simmer.
How should the green bell pepper be prepared?
You should remove the seeds and ribs before finely chopping the medium green bell pepper.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Ensuring the heat is lowered to a simmer and keeping the saucepan covered for the full 30 minutes will help tenderize the beef.
What size should the beef be cut into?
The beef should be cut into small 2 cm cubes to ensure they cook through and become tender during the simmering process.
Should the saucepan be covered during cooking?
Yes, the saucepan should be covered once the simmer starts to keep the moisture in and tenderize the meat.
Can I add more salt?
The recipe suggests adding salt to taste after adding the beef stock and thyme.
Is this a quick recipe?
With preparation and cooking steps, the total time is approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
What can I substitute for beef stock?
If beef stock is unavailable, you can use vegetable stock or water with a bouillon cube, though beef stock is preferred for richness.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, red bell pepper can be used if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor than the green bell pepper provides.
What are the key aromatics in this dish?
The combination of yellow onion, green pepper, and ground thyme creates the aromatic base for the casserole.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the initial sautéing steps.
Is the beef browned before adding the tomatoes?
Yes, the beef cubes are browned first to lock in flavor before the tomatoes are introduced to the pan.
What should the texture of the tomatoes be?
The tomatoes should be cooked until they soften and begin to break down into a sauce.
Is this an authentic Turkish recipe?
This recipe is designed to bring the authentic savory and comforting flavors of Turkish cuisine to your home table.