Discover the mouthwatering delight of "Beef Baked with Yogurt," a Middle Eastern gem that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This dish features tender beef stew meat enveloped in a creamy, spiced yogurt marinade that not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience. With just a little prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can impress your family and friends with a dish that feels like a gourmet feast. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become a favorite at your table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature will help tenderize the beef and allow the yogurt to slowly cook without separating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended marinade.
- Cut the beef stew meat into roughly 1-inch cubes if not already done. Trim any excess fat to ensure a leaner dish.
- Add the beef cubes to the yogurt marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Slice the onion into thin, uniform rings to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the dish.
- Select a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid. Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Carefully transfer the marinated beef and all of its yogurt marinade into the prepared casserole dish, arranging the meat pieces over the onions.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent the meat from drying out during baking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the beef is extremely tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to reabsorb its juices and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro, and accompanied by rice, couscous, or flatbread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the beef to marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. This will deepen the flavor and tenderness, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for well-marbled beef stew meat, as the fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Cuts like chuck or brisket work wonderfully.
- Layering is Key: When placing the onions in the casserole dish, ensure they are evenly spread out. This will create a flavorful base that complements the beef as it cooks.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with fluffy rice, couscous, or warm flatbread to soak up the rich yogurt sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a refreshing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 296kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 88mg
