BEEF STEW CASSEROLE WITH BISCUIT TOPPING: A HEARTY FAMILY FAVORITE

This Beef Stew Casserole with Biscuit Topping takes classic comfort food to the next level. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory stew topped with golden, buttery biscuits, this casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal. It’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something warm and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: Combines the rich, cozy flavors of beef stew with fluffy biscuits for the ultimate comfort dish.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Perfect for Families: A hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Stew:

• Beef Chuck (1½ lbs, cut into chunks): A flavorful, tender cut that’s perfect for slow cooking.
• Carrots (2 cups, sliced): Add sweetness and a pop of color to the stew.
• Baby Potatoes (2 cups, halved): Creamy and tender, they hold their shape during cooking.
• Frozen Peas (1 cup): Added at the end for a bright, sweet burst of flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Creates a savory, aromatic base for the stew.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and warmth.
• Beef Broth (3 cups): Provides a rich, flavorful base for the stew.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Enhances the depth of flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the stew for a luscious consistency.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, herbal note.
• Bay Leaf (1): Infuses the stew with subtle, savory flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the dish.

For the Biscuit Topping:

• Biscuit Dough (12 pre-made or homemade biscuits): A golden, flaky topping that’s easy and delicious.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed over the biscuits for extra flavor and shine.

How to Make Beef Stew Casserole with Biscuit Topping

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

2. Brown the Beef

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the beef chunks, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

4. Make the Stew Base

1. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat.
2. Gradually pour in 3 cups of beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Add the browned beef, sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has slightly thickened and the vegetables are starting to soften.
5. Remove the bay leaf before transferring to the baking dish.

5. Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the prepared beef stew into a large baking dish.
2. Arrange the biscuit dough on top of the stew, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
3. Brush the biscuits with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.

6. Bake the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
2. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle 1 cup of frozen peas over the stew to warm through without losing their vibrant color and texture.

7. Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy the combination of savory stew and fluffy biscuits.
3. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Stew Casserole

1. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Ensure the carrots and potatoes are cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
2. Sear the Beef: Browning the beef adds depth and richness to the stew—don’t skip this step!
3. Don’t Overload the Pan: When searing the beef, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Choose the Right Biscuit Dough: Pre-made biscuit dough saves time, but homemade biscuits add an extra touch of love.
5. Thicker Stew: If the stew isn’t thick enough before baking, simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
2. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the stew base and gluten-free biscuit dough.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the stew for some heat.
4. Cheesy Biscuits: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the biscuits before baking.
5. Extra Veggies: Add celery, parsnips, or green beans for more variety in the stew.

Perfect Pairings

1. Green Salad: Serve with a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.
2. Crusty Bread: If you want extra carbs, pair with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
3. Red Wine: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the savory flavors beautifully.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the stew and refrigerate it in the baking dish for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with biscuit dough and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the biscuits may lose some of their texture when reheated. Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

3. Can I use canned biscuits?

Absolutely! Canned biscuit dough works perfectly and saves time.

4. What if my stew is too thin?

If the stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

5. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and work beautifully in this dish.

6. How do I know if the biscuits are done?

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean.

Conclusion

This Beef Stew Casserole with Biscuit Topping is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and golden biscuits in one delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this casserole is sure to impress. Serve it with a green salad or crusty bread, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like a hug in a dish. Try it tonight and savor the ultimate comfort food!