Experience the comforting flavors of Finland with Sailor’s Beef Casserole, or Merimiespihvi, a traditional dish that combines tender layers of thinly sliced beef, golden onions, and velvety potatoes baked to perfection in a savory blend of beef stock and beer. This hearty one-pot casserole is elevated by the earthy aroma of bay leaves and a buttery finish, making it a soul-warming favorite perfect for chilly evenings. Slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, this rustic Finnish classic is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, and pairs wonderfully with a side of rye bread or tangy pickled vegetables. Discover the taste of Nordic cuisine with this simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s destined to become a comforting staple.
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1-2 cm wide. Season the slices with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, then lightly dust them with flour.
Peel the potatoes and slice them into rounds about 5 mm thick. Peel the onions and slice into thin rings.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the beef slices in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion slices until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Grease a large ovenproof casserole dish with the remaining butter. Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of onions and then a layer of beef slices. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Tuck the bay leaves into the layers. Season each potato layer with a pinch of the remaining salt and black pepper.
Pour the beef stock and beer evenly over the layers in the casserole dish. The liquid should just cover the ingredients; if needed, add more stock or water.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded. Check halfway through the cooking time and add a little more liquid if necessary.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty dish with rye bread or pickled vegetables, if desired.
Serving size | (2907.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3305.5 |
Total Fat 163.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 69.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g | |
Cholesterol 623.7mg | 0% |
Sodium 7370.4mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 243.9g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 25.0g | 0% |
Total Sugars 20.4g | |
Protein 190.0g | 0% |
Vitamin D 6.7IU | 0% |
Calcium 340.7mg | 0% |
Iron 31.2mg | 0% |
Potassium 7985.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories