Braised beef is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. This dish features beef that is slowly cooked in a flavorful liquid until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The process of braising involves searing the meat to lock in flavor, then simmering it in a savory broth until it is cooked to perfection. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make braised beef that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Braised Beef
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Braised Beef
Preparing the Beef:
- Season the Beef:
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear them on all sides until they are browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Cooking the Vegetables:
- Saute the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Braising the Beef:
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Return the seared beef cubes to the pot. Add the beef broth and red wine, and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and tomato paste. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Simmer the Beef:
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beef simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is tender and falls apart easily.
- Serve the Braised Beef:
- Once the beef is cooked, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Serve the braised beef hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
About the Main Ingredients
Beef Chuck Roast:
Beef chuck roast is ideal for braising because it has a good amount of marbling, which helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Vegetables:
Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are classic aromatics that add flavor to the braising liquid and complement the richness of the beef.
Beef Broth and Red Wine:
The combination of beef broth and red wine creates a rich and flavorful braising liquid that infuses the beef with deep, savory flavors.
Herbs and Spices:
Bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika add depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor of the braised beef.
Braised beef is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its tender beef and rich, flavorful sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
