Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? This recipe for beer-braised beef is the perfect blend of easy preparation and incredibly rich, satisfying flavor. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly simple to make, proving that healthy meals and quick dinner ideas don't have to sacrifice taste. This recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a truly special meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Let's dive into this fantastic beef recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz dark beer (stout or porter recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Building the Braise
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the dark beer and beef broth, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Step 4: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it in the last 15 minutes of cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serving
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a higher-quality dark beer, such as a Belgian dark strong ale or a robust porter.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Use different cuts of beef: Chuck roast or short ribs also work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as tougher cuts will require longer cooking times.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, but a general estimate for a serving would be around:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-20g
This beer-braised beef is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy night in. It's a delicious example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!