Description
Baeckeoffe is a traditional Alsatian casserole made with tender layers of beef, lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots slowly baked in a savory broth. This rustic French comfort dish develops deep, rich flavor during its long cooking time, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 300 g beef, cut into chunks
- 300 g lamb, cut into chunks
- 500 g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 500 ml beef broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Slice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef and lamb with salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes.
- Grease a large casserole dish with olive oil.
- Place a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of onions and carrots over the potatoes, then spread half of the seasoned meat mixture over the vegetables.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of potatoes on top.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the casserole and tuck the bay leaf between the layers.
- Cover the casserole tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 3 hours until the meat is very tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving hot.
Notes
- Slow cooking helps the meat become tender and flavorful.
- You can prepare the casserole several hours ahead before baking.
- Adding mushrooms or leeks gives extra depth of flavor.
- The dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend further.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
