Browning Meat

make_life_easier

I have made a beef casserole today - it's in the oven and will be on for at least another hour before it should be done.

The trouble is I didn't brown the stewing steak before I put it in the oven, it didn't cross my mind until a few moments ago and it's too late now. Will it be ruined?

Why do people brown meat anyway before making it into a stew or something?

beachbeth

It won't be ruined. You won't probably notice any difference. Browing the meat stops it having a grey colour to it apparently and it also seals the juices in the meat.

Eels100

Don't panic, but a good reason to brown meat is because you are killing any surface bacteria. This is why you can have rare steak but not rare burgers - the steak is sterile inside, as only the outside surfaces have been exposed to contaminants. The burger, however, is made of minced meat and so could contain contamination throughout. On this basis all cuts should receive a quick searing over a high heat before cooking.

Having said all that, I would have no concerns about your casserole make life easier, it's so unlikely that any bugs could survive in your oven for an hour! I've never been a fan of obsessive food and kitchen hygiene anyway, I'm quite sure that's why I have an iron stomach

Pink.

Hi make life easier,

Your casserole will be fine. I brown the meat if I have time, but sometimes don't bother and the only difference I've noticed is the colour. There are some opinions on browning meat in this older thread:

to seal meat or not to seal ????

Pink

Father_Jack_2

Browning the meat seals in the juices and adds to the 'meaty' flavour - it's not a major problem to not brown it but next time you will taste the difference (dust it with flour before browning to add more flavour).

make_life_easier

Don't know why I was worrying as it turned out absolutely gogeious. I got compliments all round and was told I had really excelled my self. It was on of the most easiest meals I have cooked.

I am well chuffed with myself (I just took the compliments well)

2 hours in the oven with 2 oxo's an onion and chunky carrots served with mashed potatoe - I just thickened the gravy with granuals 20 mins before serving