Best 3 Sailors Beef Casserole Merimiespihvi Finnish Recipes

# Introduction:
Sailors beef casserole, known as **"Merimiespihvi"** in Finnish, is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comfort of a casserole with the richness of beef. This classic Finnish dish has been passed down from generation to generation, capturing the essence of Finnish culinary tradition. In this article, we present three distinct recipes for Merimiespihvi, each offering a unique take on this beloved casserole. Brace yourself for a tantalizing journey into the world of flavors and textures that define this iconic dish.

**Recipe 1: Traditional Merimiespihvi:**
This recipe stays true to the original Merimiespihvi, featuring tender beef stewed in a creamy sauce, complemented by the vibrant acidity of tomatoes and the earthy goodness of mushrooms.

**Recipe 2: Modern Twist on Merimiespihvi:**
Our second recipe infuses a contemporary touch into the classic Merimiespihvi, introducing a layer of crispy bacon and a tangy addition of horseradish cream. This updated version adds depth and complexity to the dish while preserving its traditional essence.

**Recipe 3: Vegetarian Merimiespihvi:**
For those who prefer a meatless option, this vegetarian rendition of Merimiespihvi offers a delightful twist. Hearty and flavorful, it features a combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce.

Embark on this culinary adventure with us as we explore the diverse flavors and textures of Merimiespihvi. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating this cherished Finnish casserole. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the world of Merimiespihvi!

Let's cook with our recipes!

SAILOR'S BEEF CASSEROLE (MERIMIESPIHVI) - FINNISH

Sailor's Beef Casserole (Merimiespihvi) - Finnish image

This is from the "Best of Finnish Cooking". The author put it together to pass on her heritage to her sons. The author wrote that Finnish food is salty, but use your own judgement and discretion when it comes to the amount that you use. Do not use anything except pale lager for the beer. I made it with Guinness; it completely overpowered the dish and turned bitter.

Provided by Debbie R.

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 3h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb round steak (or brisket)
2 tablespoons butter (or vegetable oil)
2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced
8 medium potatoes (about 2.2 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup beer (pale lager only!!)
1 cup beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350.
Cut the meat into slices across the grain. In a hot skillet, brown them quickly on both sides using only half the butter or oil. Remove to a plate.
Lower the heat and cook the onions slowly in the rest of the butter until they are soft and golden. If they become browned, they'll be a completely different taste than when they're golden.
Peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as possible.
In a 1 quart casserole dish, layer the potatoes with the browned meat and onions, sprinkling each meat layer with a litle of the salt, pepper and allspice. I started with a layer of potatoes, meat, onions, spice. Repeated two more times for a total of three layers, but make the last layer one of potatoes.
Rinse the skillet with the beer and the broth. Pour into the casserole. Add the bay leaf.
Cover tightly, but no need for foil under the lid. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and potatoes are soft.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Traditionally served with pickled beets.

SAILOR'S BEEF

Sailor's Beef image

This a great cold weather beef dish. One of my best friends from Sweden made this for me and I had to have the recipe.

Provided by Transylmania

Categories Stew

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 lbs beef round steak, thinly sliced
4 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch slices
4 tablespoons butter
3 onions, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
2 -3 cups beer
2 -3 cups beef stock
salt
pepper
bay leaf

Steps:

In a large skillet heat half of the butter. Brown the beef slices, seasoning with salt and pepper. When all beef slices are browned, set them aside.
In the same skillet heat another tablespoon of butter. Add the onions and saute on medium heat until transparent and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large stockpot place a layer of potato slices to cover the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the potato slices with a layer of the browned beef. Season to taste.
Cover the beef layer with layer of sauteed onions. Add a bay leaf or two.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used. Finish with a top layer of potatoes.
Dot the potatoes with the remaining butter and then pour in beer and stock. You want half and half beer and stock, and you only want the liquid to just touch the top layer of potatoes.
Bring the beef and potatoes to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.
When the potatoes are cooked and the beef is fork tender this is done. Serve with good bread, pickled cucumbers and beets. A nice soup is good to start this meal.

SAILOR'S STEW

Sailor's Stew image

This is a hearty beef stew using beer and beef broth as its base. It's very yummy and I've never had any complaints about it. If you use older potatoes in this recipe they will break down better during cooking and thicken the sauce.

Provided by JuleCat

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews Beef

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 (3 pound) boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced
2 onions, sliced
2 large carrots, sliced
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, quartered
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans beer
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place meat in a plastic bag with the flour. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef cubes from the bag, and shake off excess flour. Brown beef cubes on all sides, and remove to paper towels to drain.
Place potatoes on the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish or Dutch oven. Place the beef cubes over the potatoes, then cover with onions, carrots and mushrooms. Pour in the beer, beef broth, and soy sauce. Toss in the peppercorns.
Bake uncovered for 2 hours in the preheated oven, or until meat is very tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.2 calories, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 73.6 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 25.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 488.7 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips for Making Sailors' Beef Casserole

Choose high-quality beef. The type of beef you use will have a big impact on the final dish. Look for a lean, flavorful cut of beef, such as chuck roast or rump steak.
Brown the beef before stewing it. This will help to develop the flavor of the beef and prevent it from becoming tough.
Use a variety of vegetables. The vegetables in this dish add flavor, texture, and nutrients. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables.
Use a good quality red wine. The red wine in this dish adds depth of flavor. Choose a red wine that you would enjoy drinking on its own.
Simmer the casserole for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Serve the casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. These side dishes will help to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Sailors' Beef Casserole is a classic Finnish dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty, flavorful stew that is perfect for a cold winter day. The beef is tender and juicy, the vegetables are flavorful, and the sauce is rich and savory. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!