Red Wine Braised Beef

Introduction

Red Wine Braised Beef is the epitome of comforting, indulgent home cooking. This dish transforms humble beef into an incredibly tender, flavor-packed centerpiece, simmered slowly in a rich mélange of red wine, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs. Its robust yet balanced flavors make it a guaranteed hit at dinner parties, Sunday suppers, or whenever you want to serve something special without the stress.

Why Make Red Wine Braised Beef?

Few recipes can compete with the depth of flavor achieved through low-and-slow braising. The slow braising process renders the beef meltingly tender, while the wine and aromatics create an irresistible gravy. This dish not only pleases a crowd but can also be made ahead, often tasting even better the next day. Plus, with simple prep and mostly hands-off cooking, it delivers maximum reward for relatively low effort.

Building Layers of Flavor

Searing the beef sets the foundation for flavor, creating a caramelized crust that deepens the final sauce. Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add natural sweetness and body, while the wine infuses everything with savory complexity. For ease and perfect, uniform dicing of your veggies, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a time-saving favorite for this recipe.

The Perfect Braising Vessel and Technique

For even cooking and steady heat retention, use a heavy oven-safe dutch oven or braising pan. Sauté your veggies and sear the beef right in the same pot to capture every last bit of flavor, then let the oven do the work. Lining your prep area with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll helps contain the inevitable splatters and keeps clean-up a breeze.

Serving Suggestions and Versatility

Red wine braised beef shines atop creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or polenta, soaking up every drop of its luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor. Storing leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers ensures maximum freshness and hassle-free reheating. Serve leftovers over crusty bread, or shred the beef for hearty sandwiches the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves about 6 people, offering a stick-to-your-ribs main course at approximately 450–500 calories per serving (excluding starches for serving). It’s packed with protein and slow-cooked nutrients—for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Pat the beef pieces dry and generously season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. For uniform chopping and time-saving prep, use your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Sauté veggies until softened and golden, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and let reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
7. Return the beef (and any juices) to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring just to a simmer.
8. Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
9. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water, stir into the sauce, and simmer on the stovetop until thickened.
10. Before serving, discard herb stems and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Ladle the beef and its sauce over your choice of starch and top with fresh parsley. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for next-day enjoyment.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Red Wine Braised Beef (Recap)

This Red Wine Braised Beef recipe delivers succulent, pull-apart tender meat enveloped in a deeply flavorful, aromatic sauce. Its make-ahead convenience, crowd-pleaser status, and gourmet taste earn it a starring role at any table. Serve with your favorite sides, and let the compliments roll in!