Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta

Introduction

Few dishes capture the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine quite like Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta. Tender, slow-cooked beef in a robust tomato and wine sauce sits atop creamy, cheesy polenta, making every bite a harmony of textures and rich flavors. This classic pairing is the epitome of soulful home cooking—and its simplicity guarantees a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality dinner at home.

The secret to its greatness? The long braise that melds aromatics and beef together, resulting in fork-tender meat and a sauce you’ll want to savor to the last drop.

The Allure of Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta

What elevates this dish above ordinary stews is its depth of flavor—aromatics like garlic, carrots, and celery are slowly cooked with hearty beef, tomatoes, and red wine, infusing every strand of meat with savory gusto. Paired with a Parmesan polenta that’s as creamy as risotto but infinitely simpler to make, it’s no wonder this meal is a favorite for Sunday suppers and special occasions alike.

Building Layers of Flavor

Start with a quality cut of beef, such as chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender after hours of braising. Chopping vegetables uniformly ensures a beautiful presentation and even cooking—let the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper handle your mirepoix effortlessly.

Browning the beef deeply in a heavy, oven-safe skillet like the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet locks in juices and develops a flavorful fond, essential for the sauce. Deglaze with red wine, then add crushed tomatoes, broth, and aromatics for a braise that smells and tastes as impressive as its Italian roots promise.

Preparing Creamy Parmesan Polenta

While your beef slowly transforms in the oven, prepare the polenta—a humble cornmeal dish that, when finished with cream and Parmesan, turns positively decadent. For the smoothest texture, whisk frequently and use a sturdy nonstick pan such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch.

When you fold in fresh Parmesan, you create a creamy, savory base that perfectly complements the rich beef. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper for a touch of restaurant flair.

Serving and Storing your Italian Braised Beef

Spoon creamy polenta into shallow bowls and top with generous ladles of braised beef and its sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. For meal prep or leftovers, store portions neatly using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup), keeping your meal fresh for days.

Make cleanup a breeze by protecting your prep and serving areas with the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White—especially handy when feeding a crowd or making this recipe for a casual dinner party.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings. Each portion contains roughly 600–700 calories, primarily from the savory beef and rich polenta (including cheese and milk). It’s a hearty, satisfying entrée best enjoyed on special occasions or as a memorable family centerpiece.

Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta (Recap)

Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta is a guaranteed show-stopper—tender, aromatic beef atop polenta so creamy it will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Its blend of comfort, approachable luxury, and classic Italian style makes it a dish to return to again and again.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy oven-safe pan such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. If you want perfectly even dice, use your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper here.
4. Add garlic and tomato paste, sauté for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping the brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, bay leaves, beef broth, and return beef to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 2½–3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
6. About 30 minutes before the beef is done, bring 6 cups water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Pour in polenta slowly, whisking continuously. Reduce heat to low and stir frequently to prevent sticking—your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch works beautifully for this.
7. Cook polenta for 20–25 minutes (or according to package instructions) until thick and creamy. Stir in butter, Parmesan, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Shred beef with two forks or a handy Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen. Discard bay leaves. Taste sauce, adjust seasoning as desired.
9. To serve, ladle creamy polenta into bowls, top with braised beef and its sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Enjoy a taste of Italy that’s hearty, comforting, and sure to become a highlight of your home dining experience.