Description
Braised Beef is a slow-cooked, fork-tender dish made with well-marbled beef simmered in a flavorful broth of herbs, aromatics, and red wine or stock. It’s hearty, comforting, and ideal for cool-weather dinners or special family meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (or beef broth)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme or rosemary, and balsamic vinegar if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover with a lid and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove beef and let rest. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop if thicker consistency is desired.
- Serve beef with the reduced sauce and your choice of sides.
Notes
- Use brisket or boneless short ribs for variation.
- Add mushrooms or pearl onions in the last hour of braising for more depth.
- Substitute wine with more broth and balsamic vinegar if avoiding alcohol.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
- Flavor improves after a day—make ahead and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 135mg