Classic Braised Beef with Root Vegetables

Classic Braised Beef with Root Vegetables

Introduction:

Experience the heartwarming flavors of a classic braised beef dish, perfect for a comforting family dinner. This recipe involves slow-cooking beef until it’s irresistibly tender, paired with hearty root vegetables and a rich, savory gravy. It’s a traditional meal that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the carrots and parsnips, cooking for another 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until darkened.
3. Deglaze and Braise:
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth until the meat is just covered. Toss in the thyme and rosemary sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Final Touches:
   • Remove the herb sprigs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, thicken the sauce with a slurry of cornstarch and water for a richer gravy.

Conclusion: This classic braised beef with root vegetables is a testament to the power of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a deep, complex flavor symphony. Serve this luscious dish over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that promises to comfort and satisfy on any chilly evening. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet dinner at home, this dish celebrates the rich, uncomplicated joys of traditional cooking.