Braised Beef with Red Wine: A Classic Comfort Food
Braised beef with red wine is a classic dinner meal that has been enjoyed for generations and is one of my family’s all time favorites. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender and succulent dish that is perfect for any occasion. Adding red wine to the mix takes this dish to another level, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
What is braising?
Braising is a cooking method that involves cooking food slowly in a small amount of liquid. This method is perfect for tougher cuts of meat like beef, as it helps to break down the connective tissues and makes the meat tender and flavorful. The process of braising typically involves searing the meat first to develop a crust and then cooking it slowly in a flavorful liquid, like broth or wine.
When it comes to braising beef, there are a few different cuts of meat that work well. Braising steak, short ribs, and chuck roast are all great options for making Braised Beef with Red Wine. The key is to choose a cut of meat that has plenty of marbling, as this will help to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
How to Make Slow Cooker Braised Beef with Red Wine
In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make slow cooker braised beef with red wine that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Slow Cooker Braised Beef with Red Wine
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 2-3” cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 4 celery ribs chopped
- 4 carrots chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 3 bay leaves dried
- (optional) 1 tbsp brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the beef chuck roast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove the beef from the pot and transfer it to the slow cooker.
- In the same pot, add the vegetables (chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped carrots). Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and stir until well mixed, about 2 minutes.
- Add the red wine, beef broth, brown sugar, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once the beef is tender and falling apart, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Pour liquid into a pot (with vegetables strained if desired) and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced/thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the reduction sauce over the beef and serve hot.
Notes
- When choosing your braising steak, look for a cut of meat that has plenty of marbling. This will ensure that the beef stays moist and tender during the cooking process.
- If you don’t have a slow-cooker or Dutch oven, you can still make this recipe using a large pot. Simply follow the instructions for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, and then transfer everything to a pot. Cover the pot and cook the beef on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- My favorite way to serve this recipe is on top of buttery mashed potatoes and with a side of roasted veggies!
Variations
There are many variations of slow cooker braised beef with red wine that you can try to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Braising Steak Slow Cooker: Use braising steak instead of beef chuck roast for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Braised Short Ribs Crock Pot: Use bone-in beef short ribs for a more decadent dish.
- Wine Braised Beef: Experiment with different types of red wine to see how they affect the flavor of the dish.
- Crock Pot Short Ribs Red Wine: Use a crock pot instead of a slow cooker for an even more hands-off cooking experience.
- Red Wine Braised Chuck Roast: Use chuck roast instead of beef short ribs for a more budget-friendly option.
- Red Wine Braised Short Rib: Substitute beef short ribs for pork or lamb short ribs for a different twist.
- Red Wine Slow Cooked Beef: Add in additional ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes to make it a complete meal.
Overall, braised beef with red wine is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold winter night or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious it can be? Then, come back and let us know in the comments below what you think.
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Link to my favorite slow cooker. This link may contain an affiliate link.