Braised beef

Introduction

Braised beef is a rich, comforting dish made by slow-cooking tender beef in a savory broth alongside vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, served over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3-4 lbs chuck roast (or short ribs)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
3. Deglaze and Braise:
   • Pour in the wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
   • Add the beef back to the pot, along with beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
   • Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise in a 325°F (163°C) oven or over low heat on the stovetop for 2-3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   • Remove the beef and strain the sauce (optional). Reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a thicker consistency, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
6. Serve:
   • Serve the braised beef over mashed potatoes with vegetables, drizzling the sauce generously over the dish.

Conclusion

This dish combines hearty, tender beef with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a wonderful centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion meal. For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.