Enameled Cast Iron Braiser

The 2.25 qt casserole is ideal if you usually cook for one or two people and want something that handles weeknight pasta bakes, small casseroles, roasted vegetables, or shallow braises without feeling oversized, while the 3 qt size is better if you regularly cook for three or four people, prefer family-style portions, or like having leftovers, because it gives you more surface area and depth for larger braises, bigger pasta bakes, and holiday side dishes.

A deep Dutch oven is perfect for soups and big stews and a skillet shines for quick sears, but this shallow casserole is built for the dishes that start with a good sear and finish in the oven, giving you a wide base for browning in a single layer, low sides that help sauces reduce and edges crisp, and a lid that keeps food juicy, so you can sear chicken thighs, reduce a sauce, and bake everything to a bubbling finish in one pan.

Yes, this is exactly how the pan is meant to be used, so you can sear over medium or medium-high heat on gas, electric, ceramic, or induction and then slide the whole casserole straight into a hot oven to finish cooking, as long as you avoid shocking a very hot pan with very cold liquids and instead let ingredients lose their chill a little and add liquids gradually so you protect the enamel and get steady, even cooking.

The smooth enamel makes food release more easily than bare cast iron, but it is not a Teflon-style non-stick surface, so you still need to preheat the pan, use a bit of oil or butter, and give food time to develop a sear before you move it, and for melty, sticky dishes like cheesy pasta or gratins, a light coating of fat is usually enough to keep cleanup easy, while any baked-on bits will soften with a short soak in warm, soapy water and can be wiped away with a soft sponge or nylon scrubber.

You do not need to season this casserole, because the enamel completely covers the cast iron and protects it from rust, which means you can wash it with regular dish soap and water, and the enamel itself is non-reactive and food-safe, so you can simmer tomato sauces, wine-based braises, and other acidic dishes without worrying about off flavors, metallic tastes, or special maintenance routines.

Yes, the casserole works on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops, and it is oven-safe up to 500°F, so you can bake, roast, and finish dishes under high heat if needed, just making sure to lift the pan rather than drag it across glass or ceramic cooktops to prevent scratches and to use proper oven mitts when moving it between stovetop and oven.

The pan has the reassuring weight of real cast iron, but the shallow shape and wide, easy-grip handles make it easier to move than a deep Dutch oven of similar capacity, and when it is hot and full of food, it is best to use two hands with thick oven mitts and, if possible, pull the oven rack out slightly and rest the pan on it while you stir, baste, or serve, rather than carrying it around at arm’s length.

Let the pan cool down first, then wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, and for stuck-on bits simply soak it for a while before gently scrubbing so you avoid harsh scouring that can dull the enamel, and although the casserole can go through the dishwasher now and then without harming its basic function, regular hand washing is kinder to the finish and will keep it looking better over the long term.

Wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils are the best match because they are quiet, gentle, and will keep the enamel looking smooth, and while careful use of metal utensils will not instantly ruin the pan, repeated scraping with metal over time can leave visible marks, so if you care about keeping the interior looking as pristine as possible, it is smarter to stick with softer tools.