Beef Mince and Sherry Casserole: 9 Simple Steps to Comfort!

June 8, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: this beef mince and sherry casserole! It’s everything you want on a cozy night in—rich, hearty, and downright delicious. The way the sherry infuses the dish with its unique, slightly sweet flavor is just magical. Seriously, it takes this humble casserole to a whole new level! I love making this for family dinners or when I have friends over; everyone gathers around the table, and the smiles are contagious. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation! Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to get started.

beef mince and sherry casserole - detail 1

Ingredients List

500g beef mince (I love using lean beef for a healthier option!)
1 onion, chopped (This adds a lovely base flavor to the casserole)
2 carrots, diced (Feel free to cut them small so they cook evenly)
2 cloves garlic, minced (Because who doesn’t love that garlic aroma?)
200ml sherry (This is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor!)
400g canned tomatoes (Use whole or diced, whatever you have on hand)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (This adds depth and richness)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (A classic herb that complements the beef perfectly)
1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste, of course!)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Just a hint for a little kick)
500ml beef stock (Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine)
2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing and adding that lovely flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish (It really makes the dish pop!)

How to Prepare Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

First things first, grab a large pot and pour in your olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers—this is where the magic begins! A hot pot is essential for building those delicious layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Now it’s time to add your chopped onion. Toss it in and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to soften and turn translucent, which gives your casserole that wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Garlic

Next, stir in the diced carrots and minced garlic. Cook these for another 2 minutes. The carrots will start to soften, and oh boy, that garlic will make your kitchen smell divine!

Step 4: Brown the Beef Mince

Now, add in the beef mince. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want it to be nicely browned—this step is key for adding texture and flavor to the dish. Keep an eye on it; it should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Sherry

Pour in the sherry and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This is my favorite part! The sherry gives the casserole a rich, complex flavor that really elevates the dish.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Time to add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where your casserole starts to come together beautifully!

Step 7: Pour in Beef Stock

Now, pour in the beef stock. Give it a good stir to mix everything thoroughly. This will be the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s all well incorporated.

Step 8: Simmer the Casserole

Bring the mixture to a boil—don’t rush this part! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This is when all those wonderful flavors meld together and create pure comfort in a pot.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

When the time’s up, serve your casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about this dish!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this hearty beef mince and sherry casserole. These values are approximations, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 25g

This casserole is not only comforting but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling option for your family meals. Enjoy every delicious bite without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time of 15 minutes: You can have everything ready to go in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and filling for family meals: This casserole is a one-pot wonder that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Easy to make with beginner-friendly steps: Trust me, if you can chop and stir, you can whip up this delicious dish. No fancy skills required!
Flavorful dish thanks to sherry: The addition of sherry adds a unique depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile with possible vegetable additions: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like peas or bell peppers to customize it to your liking!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your beef mince and sherry casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some tips that I’ve learned along the way that will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish:

Brown the meat well: This step is crucial! Make sure you take the time to brown the beef mince properly. It adds so much flavor and depth to the casserole. Don’t rush it—give it a good 5-7 minutes to get that nice, rich color.
Don’t skip the simmer: Letting your casserole simmer for the full 30 minutes is key to allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together. It’s like a little flavor party in the pot! So, resist the urge to rush this step.
Season to taste: Always taste your casserole before serving! Depending on the brand of beef stock you use, you might need a bit more salt or seasoning. Adjust it to your liking for the best flavor.
Keep an eye on the veggies: When you’re adding your carrots and garlic, don’t let them overcook! You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite to them. If they get mushy, they won’t give you that lovely texture contrast.
Let it rest: If you can, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after you take it off the heat. This little resting time helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to get creative! You can toss in some peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of how long each vegetable takes to cook; add them at the right time to ensure everything is perfectly tender.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a deliciously comforting beef mince and sherry casserole that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of fun ways to customize your beef mince and sherry casserole! Here are some ideas that I love:

Vegetable Medley: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans for a burst of color and added nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything stays tender but not mushy!
Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions. They soak up all that delicious flavor and add a lovely earthy taste to the casserole.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. It’ll give the dish a nice spicy edge!
Herb Twist: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh rosemary or sage can bring a different flavor profile. Just remember to add them later in the cooking process to keep their flavor vibrant.
Alternative Liquids: Instead of sherry, try using red wine or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Each option will give the casserole its own unique flavor!
Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can throw all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Just sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic first to build flavor, then add everything else and cook on low for 6-8 hours. It’s perfect for busy days!
Top It Off: If you want to add a crunchy texture, consider topping your casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of parmesan cheese before baking it in the oven for a few minutes. It adds a delightful crispy topping!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste—cooking should always be fun and creative! Enjoy exploring different flavors and textures in your beef mince and sherry casserole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious beef mince and sherry casserole, and now you have some leftovers (if you can believe it!). No worries! Storing and reheating this dish is super easy, and it tastes just as good the next day.

First, let it cool down a bit before you store it. You don’t want to trap steam in the container, as that can make the casserole soggy. I usually let it sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Once it’s cooled, transfer your leftovers into an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any funky fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you know when it’s time to enjoy it again!

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, for reheating, the stovetop is my go-to method. Just scoop out the portion you want and put it in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. Heat until it’s warmed through, and voilà—dinner is served!

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to keep it moist!), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This way, you avoid any hot spots and keep that amazing flavor intact.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your beef mince and sherry casserole anytime, and trust me, it’ll taste just as comforting as when you first made it!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this beef mince and sherry casserole! It’s such a cozy dish that brings everyone together, and I promise it’ll warm your heart and your belly. Don’t forget to share your experiences with me—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! If you made any fun variations or added your own twist, please let me know in the comments below. Your feedback means the world to me.

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it on social media! Tag me and let your friends know about this delightful comfort food that’s so easy to make. And hey, if you could take a moment to rate the recipe, I’d truly appreciate it. It helps me create even more delicious dishes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and love!

For more delicious casserole ideas, check out this collection of casseroles that are sure to please!

Also, if you’re interested in the health benefits of beef, you can read more about it here.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.