Rustic Liver and Bacon Casserole Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

Comfort cuisine finds its champion in this hearty liver and bacon casserole that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Savory aromas will quickly fill your kitchen with memories of traditional home cooking.

Tender meat nestles among crisp bacon pieces, creating a rich tapestry of flavors.

Classic ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dish that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Rustic and unpretentious, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooks who understood the magic of simple ingredients.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with every delectable bite.

Ready to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience?

Flavor Variations for Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

• Vegetarian Liver Alternative: Replace liver with firm tofu or seitan, seasoned similarly and pan-fried for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour for dredging and thickening the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon, use low-sodium stock, and reduce added salt while maintaining flavor with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap some stock with red wine for a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, intense flavors of liver and bacon, cutting through the dish's hearty protein profile.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick pieces of rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious gravy, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with bitter arugula and tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory casserole and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint.
• Match Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare caramelized parsnips or roasted carrots with herbs to enhance the earthy undertones of the liver dish, adding complementary sweet and savory notes.

Best Way to Store Liver and Bacon Casserole by Delia Smith

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Transfer to oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions on Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

• Is liver a healthy protein choice?

Yes, liver is nutrient-dense, packed with iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, making it an excellent protein source for those seeking nutritional benefits.

• How do I prevent liver from becoming tough?

Quickly cook liver over high heat and avoid overcooking. Dredging in seasoned flour helps create a protective coating that keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.

• Can I substitute beef liver with another type of liver?

Chicken or lamb liver work well as alternatives. Each type has a slightly different flavor profile, but they can be prepared using the same cooking method.

• What are the best side dishes to serve with liver and bacon casserole?

Mashed potatoes, steamed green vegetables, or crusty bread complement this hearty dish perfectly, helping to balance the rich flavors of the liver and bacon.

Why Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole Is So Hearty

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic dish that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for filling hungry bellies on chilly evenings.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Beginners can confidently tackle this recipe with straightforward steps and basic techniques that build culinary confidence.
• Protein-Packed Meal Solution: Delivers a nutrient-dense dinner combining liver's rich iron content with bacon's delicious protein boost, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious families.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients that transform humble components into a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank, stretching your grocery budget smartly.

Ingredients List for Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

• Liver: Fresh, tender meat that provides a rich, earthy flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty dimension to the dish, enhancing overall taste.

• Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic: Create a savory base that deepens the casserole's flavor profile and provides aromatic complexity.

• Stock: Provides moisture and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce for the casserole.
• Tomato Puree: Adds depth and slight acidity to balance the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the liver and other ingredients.
• Cold Water: Used to create a smooth flour paste for thickening the sauce.

How to Prepare Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Liver

Grab your liver and slice it into delightful bite-sized pieces. Gently pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they’ll brown beautifully.

Step 2: Season and Coat Liver

Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Lovingly coat each liver piece in the seasoned flour, ensuring a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 3: Create Thickening Paste

Whisk together seasoned flour and cold water to create a smooth, silky paste that will help thicken your casserole’s sauce.

Step 4: Crisp Up Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large skillet until it turns golden and crisp. Carefully remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Brown Liver Pieces

In the same bacon-seasoned pan, brown liver pieces in batches. Each piece should develop a beautiful golden crust. Transfer cooked liver to a separate plate.

Step 6: Sauté Vegetables

• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Garlic

into the pan. Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, absorbing all the delicious bacon and liver drippings.

Step 7: Reunite Ingredients

Bring the liver and bacon back to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.

Step 8: Build the Sauce

• Stock
• Tomato puree
• Flour paste

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 9: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pan and let the casserole simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Cooking Tips for Delia Smith Liver and Bacon Casserole

• Master Moisture Control: Pat liver pieces completely dry before dredging to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent soggy coating.
• Batch Browning Technique: Fry liver in small batches to maintain high pan temperature, creating a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming the meat.
• Flour Paste Power: Mix seasoned flour with cold water to create a smooth thickening agent that prevents lumps and adds rich texture to the sauce.
• Low and Slow Simmering: Gently simmer the casserole to tenderize liver, allowing flavors to meld and develop a deep, complex taste without toughening the meat.
• Smart Seasoning Strategy: Use salt and pepper in the flour dredging process to infuse flavor throughout the liver before cooking, ensuring even and delicious seasoning.

Liver And Bacon Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55-70 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “liver and bacon casserole” brings classic British comfort to dinner tables with rustic charm. Savory meat layers meld perfectly, promising rich flavors that comfort and satisfy hungry families seeking traditional home cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) liver (lambs or calfs), sliced
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) streaky bacon, chopped
• 2 medium onions, sliced

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 60 grams (2.1 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) plain flour
• 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) beef stock

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Instructions

1. Cut liver into uniform, bite-sized morsels and thoroughly pat dry using paper towels.
2. Create a seasoned coating by mixing salt and pepper into flour, then delicately coat each liver piece.
3. Whisk 3 tablespoons of seasoned flour with cold water to form a smooth, lump-free thickening paste.
4. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. Sear liver pieces in the same skillet, working in batches to ensure even browning. Remove and set aside.
6. Introduce sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic into the pan, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
7. Reintegrate bacon and liver pieces back into the skillet, creating a harmonious base for the casserole.
8. Pour in rich stock, tangy tomato puree, and the prepared flour paste, stirring to combine and create a cohesive sauce.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the casserole to gently simmer for 45-50 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Notes

• Pat liver pieces thoroughly dry to ensure a crispy exterior when frying.
• Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of this hearty dish.
• Select fresh, high-quality liver from a trusted butcher for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep cooking time precise to prevent liver from becoming tough and chewy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 416
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 280 mg