When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty braised beef dish. The slow-cooking process that tenderizes tough cuts of beef into fall-apart tender, flavorful goodness is simply unbeatable. In this collection of 18 savory braised beef recipes, we’ve gathered some of the most mouth-watering and comforting options from around the world. From classic red wine-braised short ribs to spicy Korean galbi jjim, each dish has its own unique twist and flavor profile that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Classic Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs
A rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this classic recipe yields tender and fall-off-the-bone short ribs smothered in a deep red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 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 (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove ribs from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Asian-Style Soy Braised Beef with Star Anise
This recipe is a flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional beef braising, featuring the warm, sweet spices of star anise. The result is a tender, fall-apart piece of beef smothered in a rich, soy-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground star anise
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, star anise, and soy sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add remaining ingredients, including brown sugar, beef broth, rice vinegar, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover Dutch oven and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or overnight.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow-Cooked Coffee Braised Beef Brisket
Rich and tender beef brisket infused with the deep flavors of coffee and spices, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow-cooked recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coffee, onion, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the brisket to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Place the brisket in the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Garlic and Herb Braised Beef Chuck Roast
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this rich and flavorful braised beef chuck roast, infused with the deep flavors of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and red wine (if using) to the pot. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 3-4 hours or until tender and falling apart.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Beer-Braised Beef with Caramelized Onions
A rich and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with sweet caramelized onions and a hint of beer, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 1 cup amber ale beer
– 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.
3. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add beer, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return beef to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender, then serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Spicy Korean Braised Beef (Galbi Jjim)
This traditional Korean dish is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked beef short ribs recipe, marinated in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. Perfect for a cold winter night or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef short ribs
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Add the short ribs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Remove the short ribs from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Add chili flakes and beef broth to the pot, then transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Tomato-Braised Beef Shank with Rosemary
This slow-cooked beef shank dish is a perfect comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The rich tomato sauce and aromatic rosemary complement the tender, fall-off-the-bone beef perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 1 beef shank (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef shank on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the beef and set aside. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
7. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours or overnight
Vietnamese Coconut Braised Beef (Bo Kho)
A rich and flavorful Vietnamese dish that combines tender beef short ribs with coconut milk, aromatics, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef short ribs
– 2 medium onions, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
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 heat.
3. Brown the beef short ribs in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, then set aside.
4. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Add garlic, ginger, coconut milk, beef broth, fish sauce, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return the browned beef short ribs to the pot and bring to a simmer.
7. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Balsamic and Honey Braised Beef Cheeks
A classic Italian-inspired dish, these braised beef cheeks are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks (about 2 lbs)
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef cheeks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add garlic, thyme, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add balsamic vinegar and honey to the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return beef cheeks to the pot, cover with lid, and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Moroccan-Spiced Braised Beef with Apricots
This rich and flavorful dish combines the tender fall-apart texture of slow-cooked beef with the sweetness of apricots, all wrapped up in a warm blend of Moroccan spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, then set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, apricots, beef broth, and honey to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or overnight.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours (or overnight)
Guinness Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Experience the rich flavors of Ireland with this hearty stew, featuring tender beef and a medley of root vegetables slow-cooked in a Guinness-infused broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 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 oil over medium-high.
3. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip to the pot. Cook until vegetables are slightly tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add Guinness, broth, sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return beef to the pot and cover with a lid or foil.
7. Transfer pot to the preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Chinese Five-Spice Braised Beef Belly
This recipe is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that showcases the tender and flavorful qualities of beef belly, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatics and spices. The result is a rich and savory braise that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef belly (or pork belly), sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches ginger, sliced
– 2 star anise pods
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 5 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef belly pieces on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the Chinese five-spice powder and stir to combine.
5. Add the beef broth, browned beef belly pieces, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and braise in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tuscan-Style Braised Beef in Chianti Sauce
This hearty recipe combines tender beef with the rich flavors of Italy’s Tuscan region, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in. A slow-cooked braising liquid infused with Chianti wine and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce to accompany the fall-apart beef.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Chianti wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown the beef on all sides, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Chianti wine, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
6. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Maple-Glazed Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes
This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef and sweet potatoes with a hint of maple syrup’s sweetness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 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 beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, brown the beef on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add sliced onions to the pot; cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the beef to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Provencal Braised Beef with Olives and Herbs
This classic French dish from Provence is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew infused with the aromas of olives, herbs, and sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add olives, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add red wine (if using) and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to oven.
5. Braise at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours or until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Japanese Braised Beef with Daikon (Nikujaga)
A hearty and comforting Japanese dish that combines tender beef brisket with sweet daikon radish, all slow-cooked in a rich soy sauce-based broth. This Nikujaga recipe is a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket, sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium daikons, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the daikon slices until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2 hours or overnight.
4. Return the beef to the pot and continue to simmer until it’s tender and falls apart easily, about 30 minutes more.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (including braising time)
Mexican Chipotle Braised Beef for Tacos
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of chipotle peppers and tender beef, perfect for wrapping up in a taco shell. With a slow-cooked braise and a hint of smokiness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
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. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chopped chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Shred the beef with two forks and serve in tacos with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Indian-Style Braised Beef Curry with Coconut Milk
Experience the rich flavors of India with this comforting beef curry made with tender braised beef, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk. Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck, cut into 1-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
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, then set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and browned beef; stir to combine.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook at low heat for 2-3 hours or high heat for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low heat) or 1-2 hours (high heat)
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 18 mouthwatering braised beef recipes! From classic red wine short ribs to international twists like Korean galbi jjim and Moroccan-spiced apricot beef, there’s something for every comfort food lover. Discover slow-cooked coffee braised brisket, garlic and herb chuck roast, beer-braised beef with caramelized onions, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a tender, fall-apart roast, these savory recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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