Braising, the art of slow-cooking tougher cuts of meat to tender perfection, is a cooking technique that never goes out of style. And when it comes to braising, beef is often the star of the show. In this article, we’ll be exploring 19 mouthwatering braised beef recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
From classic red wine braises to international twists like soy-infused and chipotle-spiced, there’s something for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion chef seeking to impress, these savory braised beef recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these 19 delicious recipes, exploring the flavors, techniques, and ingredients that make them so irresistible. So grab your apron, get ready to slow-cook some serious flavor, and let’s dig in!
Classic Red Wine Braised Beef
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and flavorful classic red wine braised beef recipe. This tender and juicy dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes in batches over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per batch.
3. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Asian-Inspired Soy Braised Beef
Experience the rich flavors of Asia with this comforting soy-braised beef dish, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 star anise pod
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
4. Add garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick; sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and salt; stir to combine.
6. Return beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Herb-Infused Braised Beef Short Ribs
Elevate your comfort food game with this aromatic and tender short ribs recipe, infused with a medley of herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf to the pot; bring to a simmer.
6. Cover pot and transfer to preheated oven; braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Spicy Chipotle Braised Beef Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines tender beef with a spicy chipotle braising liquid. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add enough liquid to cover the beef (about 2 cups).
7. Cover pot and transfer to preheated oven.
8. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
9. Shred beef with two forks.
10. Warm tortillas by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
11. Assemble tacos with shredded beef, desired toppings, and serve.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Garlic and Rosemary Braised Beef Roast
This hearty recipe yields a tender and flavorful beef roast with the perfect balance of savory garlic and herbaceous rosemary. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the roast with salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the red wine and beef broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the roast reaches desired tenderness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Bourguignon
This classic French recipe yields a rich, flavorful dish with tender beef and a depth of flavor that’s perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in. With minimal hands-on time and maximum reward, this slow-cooked braise is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to pot; cover with lid.
6. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 2 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Tomato-Braised Beef with Olives
This rich and flavorful dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Tender beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce, infused with the brininess of olives and the depth of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Sear beef until browned, then remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, olives, and wine (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Return beef to pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender. Serve with crusty bread and a side of roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beer-Braised Beef with Caramelized Onions
This rich and flavorful dish combines tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a depth of flavor from beer braising liquid. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 1 cup dark beer (such as stout or porter)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the beef and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and dark golden, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Add the beer, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Coconut Milk Braised Beef Curry
A rich and flavorful curry that combines tender beef with the creamy richness of coconut milk, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 14 oz can coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 cups beef broth
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the beef in small batches over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Balsamic Glazed Braised Beef Brisket
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful braise, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add sliced onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add garlic, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the brisket to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Braised Beef with Root Vegetables
A classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. This recipe showcases tender beef short ribs slow-cooked with a medley of root vegetables, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, then remove from pot.
4. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add root vegetables, red wine, beef broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Orange and Ginger Braised Beef
This recipe combines the rich flavors of braised beef with the brightness of orange and spice of ginger, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat oil over medium-high.
3. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add garlic, orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Return the beef to the pot, cover with lid or foil, and braise in oven for 2-3 hours or until tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Braised Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Rich and comforting, this braised beef ragu is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it over pappardelle pasta for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours, or until tender.
6. Cook pappardelle pasta according to package instructions.
7. Serve the ragu over pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours (braising) + 8-10 minutes (pasta cooking)
Smoky Paprika Braised Beef Stew
Savor the rich flavors of this hearty beef stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection with the depth of smoky paprika.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown beef cubes in batches, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
5. Add browned beef, broth, wine (if using), and tomato paste; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; braise for 2 hours or overnight.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme
This classic braise combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant thyme for a satisfying comfort food dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the beef and add onions, cooking until caramelized. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add wine, broth, and thyme. Return the beef to the pot.
7. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Braised Beef and Barley Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the rich flavor of slow-cooked beef with the nutty taste of barley.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, barley, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Maple-Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes
This hearty dish combines tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich maple syrup sauce with sweet and fluffy roasted sweet potatoes. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Roast for 2 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Meanwhile, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours.
Braised Beef Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your taco game with tender braised beef and creamy avocado salsa.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes in batches over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning braised beef onto tortillas and topping with Avocado Salsa.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (braising time) + 30 minutes for salsa preparation
Braised Beef with Cabbage and Apples
A hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of cabbage.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high.
3. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the apples, cabbage, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of slow-cooked braised beef with these 19 mouthwatering recipes. From classic red wine braises to spicy chipotle and international inspirations like Asian-style soy and coconut milk curry, there’s something for every palate. Discover bold flavor combinations like garlic and rosemary, tomato and olives, and beer-braised with caramelized onions. Whether you’re in the mood for tender short ribs, hearty stews, or comforting soups, these braised beef recipes are sure to become new favorites.
