Classic British Beef and Potato Casserole

1.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, fan 160°C).

2.In a large ovenproof casserole dish or heavy-based pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

3.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

4.Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

5.Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as it cooks.

6.Sprinkle the plain flour evenly over the browned beef and stir well to coat the meat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

7.Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, creating a rich gravy base.

8.Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

9.Reduce the heat to low and cook the beef mixture uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken slightly.

10.Meanwhile, parboil the halved Jersey Royal potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes until just tender but still holding their shape. Drain and set aside.

11.Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

12.Remove the bay leaf from the beef mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

13.Layer the parboiled Jersey Royals evenly over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.

14.Scatter the blanched broccoli florets evenly over the potatoes.

15.Cover the casserole dish with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

16.Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the flavors to meld.

17.Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

18.Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, ideally with a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.