Braised Beef Recipe That Every Home Chef Needs

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised beef can transform an ordinary dinner into a spectacular culinary experience.

Slow cooking unlocks rich, deep flavors that dance across your palate.

Robust meat becomes incredibly succulent when treated with patience and care.

Chefs worldwide consider this technique a masterful way to create incredibly delicious meals.

Cold winter nights call for comforting dishes that warm both stomach and soul.

So let's recreate it now! This recipe will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Why Hairy Bikers Braised Beef Is A Bold Dinner Choice

• Unlock Tender Perfection: This braised beef recipe transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness through slow cooking, breaking down connective tissues for incredible softness.
• Maximize Flavor Complexity: Layering ingredients like wine, stock, onions, and herbs creates a rich, deep taste profile that builds incredible depth throughout the cooking process.
• Minimal Hands-On Effort: Most of the cooking happens in the oven, allowing you to do other tasks while the beef slowly develops amazing tenderness and flavor without constant monitoring.
• One-Pot Wonder: Prepare and cook everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe super convenient for home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.

Hairy Bikers Braised Beef Ingredient Guide

• Beef Roast: A tender cut perfect for slow braising and developing rich, deep flavors.

• Onions, Leeks: Provide a sweet and mild base for the braising liquid.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a robust background flavor to the dish.
• Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and help create a delicious braising sauce.

• Red Wine: Enhances the beef's flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Beef Stock: Creates a rich, savory braising liquid that infuses the meat with moisture.
• Thyme: A classic herb that adds earthy and slightly minty undertones.
• Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle, complex background note to the braising liquid.
• Cooking Oil: Used for searing the beef and creating a flavorful base in the pot.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef.

How To Cook Hairy Bikers Braised Beef Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Beef

Turn the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the beef and thoroughly dry it with paper towels. Generously season the meat with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with oil over high heat. Carefully place the beef in the hot pan and sear each side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. This process locks in the juices and creates amazing flavor. Once seared, remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Sliced leeks
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas.

Step 4: Build the Braising Liquid

• Chopped carrots
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Bay leaves

Step 5: Begin Slow Cooking

Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Let the beef braise for 2½ hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the rich flavors.

Step 6: Reduce and Concentrate Flavors

Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and intensify its taste.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Take the pot out of the oven and let the beef rest for 15 minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the surface. Gently reheat before serving, ensuring the meat remains moist and succulent.

Pro Tips For Hairy Bikers Braised Beef Perfection

• Pat beef completely dry before searing to develop a rich, golden-brown crust that locks in incredible flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• Choose chuck roast or brisket for braising, as these tough cuts transform into tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat after slow cooking.
• Keep braising liquid just barely covering the meat to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out during the long, slow process.
• Add a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar near the end of cooking to brighten and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Allow meat to rest before slicing, and use a spoon to remove excess fat from the surface for a cleaner, more refined sauce.

Fun Variations Of Hairy Bikers Braised Beef

• Lamb Braised Delight: Swap beef with lamb shoulder for a rich, tender alternative that absorbs similar herbs and wine-based braising techniques.
• Vegetarian Hearty Stew: Replace beef with large portobello mushrooms or seitan, maintaining the same braising method and vegetable medley for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Use beef short ribs instead of traditional cuts, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving the deep, complex flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate rosemary and oregano instead of thyme, adding kalamata olives and serving with feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired braising approach.

Pairing Suggestions For Hairy Bikers Braised Beef

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that matches the rich, tender braised beef's deep flavors and complements its hearty texture.
• Elevate with Creamy Potato Sides: Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or roasted herbed potato gratin to soak up the delicious braising liquid and provide a smooth, comforting contrast.
• Create Fresh Vegetable Balance: Add roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to introduce a bright, slightly crisp element that cuts through the beef's heavy richness and provides nutritional variety.
• Introduce Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve with a rustic sourdough or French baguette to help guests mop up the amazing braising sauce and add a crunchy textural dimension to the meal.

Storage Help For Hairy Bikers Braised Beef

• Store leftover braised beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its rich taste and tender texture.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place beef in a baking dish, add a splash of stock to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preserving its juicy consistency.
• For quick reheating, place beef in a microwave-safe dish.

Questions About Hairy Bikers Braised Beef Answered

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or short ribs work well. Choose a tough, well-marbled cut that becomes tender with slow cooking.

• Is it necessary to sear the meat before braising?

Absolutely! Searing creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds deep flavor and helps seal in moisture during cooking.

• What if I don't have wine for the recipe?

You can substitute with beef broth or apple cider. The key is to use a liquid that adds depth and helps tenderize the meat.

• How do I know the beef is done and tender?

The meat should easily fall apart when prodded with a fork. It will be very soft and can be pulled apart without resistance.

Tender Braised Beef Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Braised beef cooks slowly until fork-tender, soaking up a flavorful blend of stock, herbs, and vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that defines comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) beef chuck roast, cut into large pieces

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large leeks, rinsed and sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) red wine
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef stock
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2–3 dried bay leaves
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh chives
• Mashed potatoes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly pat the beef dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat and sear the beef until golden brown on all surfaces, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
3. Set the beef aside. In the same pot, add the onions, leeks, and garlic. Cook until soft and aromatic.
4. Deglaze the pot with wine and stock, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Return the beef to the pot and add carrots, thyme, and bay leaves, ensuring the liquid partially covers the meat.
6. Cover and braise in the oven for about 2½ hours, until the meat is very tender and nearly falls apart.
7. Uncover and continue cooking for another 30–45 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to deepen.
8. Extract the beef from the liquid and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
9. Skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid and gently reheat before serving alongside the sliced meat.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Patting beef dry before seasoning ensures a perfect golden-brown crust when searing, sealing in delicious juices.
• Low and slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues, transforming a potentially chewy cut into melt-in-your-mouth meat.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat-based stock with homemade or store-bought gluten-free alternative and double-check wine ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg