Red Wine Braised Beef Cozy Dinner Guide Slow Cooked Recipe Try
Introduction
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of rich, savory flavors with our Red Wine Braised Beef. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. As a chef who’s traveled the globe, I can assure you that this recipe will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven.
Why is it Perfect for You?
Red wine beef stew recipes slow cooked braised beef autumn beef dinner special family meal cozy roast beef comfort food Sunday dinner holiday beef recipe – this dish ticks all these boxes and more. It’s a versatile recipe that’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or even a holiday feast. The slow-cooking process ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, while the red wine adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Ingredients List
◾ 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
◾ 2 cups full-bodied red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
◾ 2 cups beef broth
◾ 1 large onion, diced
◾ 3 carrots, cut into chunks
◾ 3 celery stalks, chopped
◾ 4 garlic cloves, minced
◾ 2 bay leaves
◾ 2 sprigs fresh thyme
◾ 2 tbsp tomato paste
◾ 2 tbsp olive oil
◾ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
◾ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels. This ensures a better sear. Season generously with salt and pepper, then dust with flour. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, searing until golden brown on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The beef should be fork-tender when done. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce. Taste and adjust seasoning one final time before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Red Wine Braised Beef is rich in protein and essential nutrients. It’s a hearty meal that provides sustained energy.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450-500 calories per serving.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this dish lighter, consider using lean beef cuts and increasing the vegetable content. You can also substitute some of the wine with additional beef broth to reduce alcohol content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious braised beef over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or with a crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid rushing the cooking process. Slow and low is the key to tender, flavorful braised beef. Also, don’t skip the searing step, as it adds significant depth to the final dish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Red Wine Braised Beef actually tastes better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the meat and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
What type of red wine is best for this recipe?
A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah works best. Avoid overly sweet wines.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and flavor, but you can also use brisket or short ribs for equally delicious results.
Conclusion
This Red Wine Braised Beef recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So, don your apron, open a bottle of wine, and let’s get cooking!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
