Basic Beef Casserole

2 T olive oil
1 ½ kg diced beef chuck or blade steak
2 large onions, cut into thin wedges
2 leeks, white part only, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 sticks celery, trimmed, sliced
2 large carrots, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces
2 x 425g cans diced tomatoes
1 ¼ C beef stock

Heat 1 T oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Cook beef, in 4 batches, stirring, until browned. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil, onions, leeks, garlic, celery and carrots to pan. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

Return beef to pan with tomatoes and stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until beef is tender.

Serve with mashed potato or bread.