Winter brings with it the joy of snowflakes, cozy fireplaces, and the aroma of delicious, heartwarming food emanating from the kitchen. Among such delights, Braised Beef stands out as a classic comfort dish that promises warmth, flavor, and the joy of home cooking. Whether it’s the first blizzard of the season or just a chilly evening, this Braised Beef recipe offers the perfect reason to stay indoors, sip some wine, and savor every bite. So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together. And remember, sharing is caring, so spread the love by sharing this recipe!
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds boneless chuck roast
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 cups dry red wine
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth (divided)
- 3 large fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large fennel bulbs
- 1 medium red onion
- 3 large carrots
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven. Prepare your vegetables by trimming the fennel bulbs, chopping the onion, slicing the carrots, and finely chopping the garlic. Set aside.
- Trim any large fat portions from the chuck roast and cut it into 3-4 inch pieces. Pat them dry and season with salt and pepper. Coat them evenly with flour.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot. Sear the beef pieces until they’re browned on all sides, then transfer them to a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté the fennel, onion, and carrots until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and let it darken.
- Pour in the wine and 1 cup of beef broth, ensuring you scrape up the brown bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the mushrooms and mix well.
- Return the beef to the pot, ensuring they’re not fully submerged in the liquid. Add thyme and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to the oven. Let it cook until the beef is tender and can be easily pricked with a fork, which should take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Notes/Conclusion:
- Braising Explained: Braising is a culinary technique where tough cuts of meat are gently cooked in liquid, transforming them into succulent and tender delights. The beauty of braising lies in the magic it weaves over hours, turning a simple beef cut into a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or polenta. Enhance the meal by enjoying the leftover wine by the fireplace.
- Storage and Make Ahead: If you’ve made more than you can eat, don’t worry. The braised beef stores well. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or even frozen for 3 months. You can also prepare it the night before, making dinner plans a breeze.
Embrace the charm of winter with this Braised Beef recipe. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a memory, and a warm hug on a cold day. If you’ve enjoyed it, please share this recipe with friends and family. After all, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones.
Did you love this recipe? Share it with your friends and spread the joy of home-cooked meals. Happy cooking!