Comforting Little Casseroles

Name: Comforting Little Beef Casseroles
Total time: 2 1/2 hours
Yield: Makes 4 individually sized casseroles
Ingredients: 600 g (1 lb. 5 oz.) stewing beef, cut into cubes; 50 g (about 4 Tbsp.) butter; Olive oil, for frying; 3 onions, finely chopped; 1 bottle of dark beer; 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar; 1 tbsp. wholegrain mustard; ½ tsp. ground ginger; 1 bay leaf; 1 thick slice of gingerbread (about 50 g); Salt and freshly ground pepper, to season; 1 ¼ kg (2 lb. 12 oz.) Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks; 150–200 ml (about 5–7 oz.) hot milk; 50 g (about 4 Tbsp. butter); 2 egg yolks; 125 g (about 4 ½ oz.) grated mature Cheddar cheese; Freshly grated nutmeg

By Janneke Vreugdenhil

November 1, 2019

The author holding a small square casserole dish of shepherd's pie.

Photo by Janneke Vreugdenhil

Tender, sweet and well-spiced stewed meat topped with cheese-encrusted creamy mashed potatoes…need I say more? True, they do take time, but when you’re done you’ll have a wealth of comfort food to squirrel away for later.

Recipe notes

Berberger Pasta

This comforting cheeseburger-inspired pasta from Kiano Moju is bolstered by berbere spice.

Beef Stroganoff Ramen

This traditional dish of beef, sour cream, and mustard may have originated in Russia, but it’s about time for a version with ramen noodles, don’t you think?

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Who says latkes have to be potato? Brussels bring a delicious cruciferousness.

Stir-Fried Phở Noodles With Beef

This dish is not only a quick meal option but also a practical way to use leftover phở noodles when you’re out of broth.

Halloumi Lasagna

In this lasagna, soft layers of pasta and béchamel are interspersed with a rich tomato sauce laden with hearty Mediterranean vegetables.

Tater Tots Tossed in Date Butter

Put these out at a gathering, and we guarantee you’ll be hearing rave reviews for a long time.

Rotisserie Chicken Congee

Leftover rotisserie chicken finds new purpose in this endlessly comforting dish.