Italian Braised Beef

Name: Italian Braised Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 kg beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks); 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); 2 onions (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 carrots (sliced); 2 stalks celery (sliced); 1 cup red wine (Chianti or similar); 800 g canned tomatoes (crushed); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper (to taste)

210 min 6 servings Medium

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Italian Braised Beef

Tender and flavourful Italian-style braised beef perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep

20 min

Cook

180 min

Total

210 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Italian Braised Beef is a comforting dish combining the rich flavours of beef with classic Italian herbs and tomatoes. This method of slow-cooking ensures the meat is tender and infused with a depth of flavour that's hard to resist. The process involves searing the beef to lock in juices and slowly cooking it with aromatic vegetables and a savoury tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a hearty and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the beef

Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Pro tip: Ensure the beef is at room temperature before cooking for even browning.

Sear the beef

Brown the beef chunks in batches, ensuring each side is well-seared. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Do not overcrowd the pot to achieve a good sear.

Cook the vegetables

In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent.

Pro tip: Stir regularly to prevent the garlic from burning.

Deglaze with wine

Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce by half.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon for deglazing to avoid scratching your pot.

Add tomatoes and seasonings

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot.

Pro tip: Break down any large tomato chunks with a spoon.

Simmer the beef

Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 3 hours or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Check periodically and add a splash of water if the sauce reduces too much.

Adjust seasoning

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Rest and serve

Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro tip: Resting helps the juices redistribute for a more flavourful dish.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.</li><li>Ensure the beef is well-browned for maximum flavour.</li><li>Let the meat rest before serving for juicier results.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve Italian Braised Beef with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a robust red wine like Chianti or Barolo for a complete Italian dining experience. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavours to deepen even more. It can also be frozen for up to three months, making it a versatile option for meal planning.