Description
Enjoy a hearty Braised Beef Cheeks that’s full of rich flavors. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. Key ingredients include beef cheeks, red wine, and aromatic vegetables, making it ideal for a special dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef cheeks
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp beef base
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Trim thick membranes and excess gristle from the beef cheeks, and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef cheeks until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring well.
- Mix in the beef base, pour in the red wine, and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer until the wine reduces slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the beef cheeks back in the pot and add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise until the cheeks are very tender, around 3 to 3.5 hours, checking for tenderness at the 3 hour mark.
- Transfer the cheeks to a plate.
- Strain the braising liquid into a saucepan and simmer until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in cold butter a few cubes at a time until melted and the sauce is glossy.
- Serve the beef cheeks topped with the sauce.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite herbs for additional flavor.
Beef cheeks can be made a day ahead and reheated, which enhances the flavor.
Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
