High Protein Hearty Beef Casserole
Warm, nourishing, and packed with protein, this High Protein Hearty Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or meal prep. Featuring tender, slow-cooked beef chuck infused with savory spices, nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, and the added protein boost of cooked lentils and peas, this dish is as wholesome as it is satisfying. Simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with thyme and a hint of garlic, this casserole is oven-baked to perfection, creating melt-in-your-mouth beef and a medley of deep, slightly tangy flavors. With its rich, hearty texture and vibrant garnish of fresh parsley, this casserole is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour. Perfectly designed to serve six, this high-protein recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers warmth and nutrition in every bite. Ideal for those seeking a comforting, nutrient-dense dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.25 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a large ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
Working in batches, brown the beef in the hot oil until each side is seared, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
In the same casserole dish, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes (with liquid), beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the vegetables. Stir to combine.
Return the beef to the casserole along with any juices that have collected on the plate.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the casserole dish, and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the cooked lentils and frozen peas. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot, enjoying the hearty flavors of the beef and the comforting richness of the casserole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2744 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 181.1 g | 232% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.0 g | 315% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 519 mg | 173% | |
| Sodium | 5409 mg | 235% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.6 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.2 g | 165% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.0 g | ||
| Protein | 166.6 g | 333% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 569 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 35.7 mg | 198% | |
| Potassium | 5902 mg | 126% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
