Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of the Azores with Neven Maguire’s Beef Casserole recipe. This dish is a perfect choice for a relaxing evening, combining tender meat with a medley of vegetables in a comforting, slowly simmered pot of liquid spices.

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

For the Beef Marinade

  • 1.5 kg sirloin tip roast cut into large pieces (about double the size of regular stewing meat)
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 250 ml red wine
  • 250 ml beer
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 100 g Chorizo, chopped
  • 1 x 400 g can chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 500 ml beef stock
  • 4 rooster potatoes, peeled and chopped into large pieces
  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large pieces
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
  • Braised rice, to serve

Method

Start by preparing the marinade, which will infuse your beef with a wonderful depth of flavor.

  1. In a large bowl, combine the red wine, beer, paprika, and allspice. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
  2. Add one bay leaf and a cinnamon stick to the marinade and mix again.
  3. Place the sirloin tip roast, cut into substantial pieces, into the bowl. Make sure all meat is covered in the marinade.
  4. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours. Overnight marination is ideal for maximum flavor.
  5. Heat a large casserole pot on medium heat.
  6. Remove the meat from the marinade and set the marinade aside for later use.
  7. In the hot pot, heat half of the olive oil and then add the meat. Allow it to sear and gain a slight color.
  8. Take the prepared meat out of the pot and set it aside again.
  9. In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil alongside onions, chorizo, carrots, and minced garlic. Brown these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Return the reserved marinade to the pot along with the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Add another bay leaf and mix well.
  11. Pour in the beef stock and return the browned meat to the pot. Stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
  12. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
  13. After the hour and a half, add in the peeled and chopped rooster and sweet potatoes. Mix everything well, then return to the heat for an additional 30 minutes.
  14. Once the potatoes are cooked through, season your casserole with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh coriander on top for a pop of freshness.

The Azores Beef Casserole is a delightful dish that showcases the unique blend of flavors from this Portuguese archipelago. Its slow-cooking method ensures that the beef remains tender and flavorful, making it a standout choice for any mealtime.

Tips for Success

Making this beef casserole is a straightforward process, but attention to detail at each step is essential:

  • Quality Meat: Use good-quality sirloin tip roast. Smaller cuts of beef can lead to a less enjoyable texture.
  • Marination: The marinade is key. Don’t skip it, as the longer the beef cooks in these rich flavors, the more pronounced the taste.
  • Browning: Take care to brown the onions, chorizo, carrots, and garlic. This step enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
  • Simmer Time: Allow sufficient time for the beef to become tender and for all ingredients to meld together.
  • Final Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to taste. Adding fresh coriander at the end ensures a vibrant and refreshing finish.

Pair this casserole with braised rice for a truly satisfying and hearty meal.