Indulge in Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs wafting through the house. Picture this: tender, succulent beef that practically melts in your mouth, mingled with earthy herbs that sing a winter lullaby to your senses. It’s a dish that promises warmth and comfort, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a hug in food form.

Imagine gathering around the table with family or friends, everyone eagerly awaiting that first bite. The anticipation builds as you lift the lid off the pot, releasing a symphony of flavors. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an event, a celebration of good company and heartwarming flavors.

Last Christmas, I made this dish for my family, and let me tell you, my Uncle Joe went back for thirds! It was priceless watching him savor every bite while I tried not to giggle at his meat-induced bliss.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Beef Chuck Roast: Look for well-marbled cuts; they become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.

• Fresh Rosemary: Choose vibrant green sprigs; they elevate the flavor profile immensely.

• Thyme: Fresh thyme brings an herbal freshness that complements the rich beef beautifully.

• Carrots: Opt for colorful ones; they add sweetness and a lovely pop of color to the dish.

• Onions: Sweet onions work best here; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the beef with aromatic goodness.

• Red Wine: A good quality wine adds depth; choose one you’d enjoy drinking!

• Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth lets you control saltiness while enhancing flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances richness and flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs

Sear the Beef: Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper before searing it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it achieves a beautiful golden crust.

Add Aromatics: Once seared, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant—around 3 minutes should do it!

Add Vegetables and Wine: Next up, add chopped carrots along with a splash of red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom—this is where flavor lives! Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Braise Away!: Return your beef to the pot along with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Pour in enough beef broth to cover about two-thirds of the meat. Bring it to a gentle simmer before covering with a lid.

Cook Low and Slow!: Reduce heat to low and let it braise gently on the stovetop or transfer it to an oven preheated at 300°F (150°C). Let it cook for 3-4 hours until fork-tender—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

After these steps, prepare yourself for some serious comfort food magic!

This Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience worth sharing around your table. It’s cozy enough for family gatherings yet fancy enough for impressing guests at dinner parties. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the beef generously before searing it in a hot pan. Searing locks in flavor and juices. Once seared, remove the meat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add your herbs and broth next, then return the beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for hours until tender, resulting in a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping in different herbs or adding vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. You could even use red wine instead of broth for deeper flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chili flakes for a little heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra zing. It’s your kitchen; your rules!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For best results, add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

It was last Thanksgiving when I first made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! My cousin even asked me if I had secret culinary training because he thought it tasted so gourmet—who knew a little slow-braising would earn me such accolades?

FAQ

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just remember, tougher cuts benefit from longer cooking times to become tender.

How do I know when the beef is properly braised?

The beef should be fork-tender when it’s done—meaning you can easily pull apart pieces without much effort. This usually takes around 3-4 hours on low heat.

What herbs work best for slow-braising?

Winter herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves shine in this recipe. They impart rich flavors that meld beautifully during slow cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors as they meld overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion for Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs

Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs is an excellent choice for cozy gatherings or special occasions. Follow these steps to ensure perfect tenderness and flavor every time. Remember that customizing ingredients can elevate your dish further! So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this heartwarming meal together—it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it!

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Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Slow-Braised Beef with Winter Herbs is a heartwarming dish that envelops you in warmth with every bite. This succulent beef, infused with the earthy flavors of winter herbs and slow-cooked to perfection, creates an aroma that invites family and friends to gather around the table. Ideal for chilly evenings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cups carrots (chopped)
• 2 large sweet onions (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pot.
2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add carrots and deglaze with red wine, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pot, add rosemary and thyme, then pour in enough broth to cover two-thirds of the meat. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid.
5. Cook on low heat or transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Customize by adding different herbs or vegetables like mushrooms. For deeper flavor, replace some broth with additional red wine. To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container for up to three days.