Braised Beef (Stove Top or Pressure Cooker)

Braised Beef epitomizes comfort food - tender, succulent beef immersed in a rich, flavourful gravy. This heartwarming dish, known for its melt-in-your-mouth goodness, holds a special place as a beloved family favorite that never fails to bring joy to our dining table.

The key to its irresistible tender beef lies in the cooking process, where the meat is lovingly simmered until it reaches fall-apart tenderness, infusing every morsel with an extraordinary depth of flavor. The only real challenge is deciding what to pair it with, for a hearty accompaniment that can do justice to the luscious gravy is an absolute must.

Ingredients in Braised Beef

To prepare this Braised Beef, here are some notes on the ingredients used:

1. Stewing Beef (or diced beef) - opt for lean cuts and trim any visible fat
2. Onion: I use a large red onion
3. Garlic: fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also.
4. Herbs: Dried Mixed Herbs or Italian seasoning
5. Carrots - large fresh carrots, sliced
6. Tomato Paste: A concentrated paste that imparts depth and flavour to the broth.
7. Stock: It's crucial to use the right ratio of beef stock cubes for the required amount of stock. Not all stock cubes are the same, and using the wrong amount can result in either a bland and watery broth or an overly salty stock.
8. Herbs - a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme for a delicious flavour to the sauce. You can use dried if you don't have fresh but use sparingly.
9. Balsamic Vinegar - adds a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness to the sauce, elevating it's flavour profile.
10. Cornstarch/Cornflour - Cornstarch, when mixed with water to create a slurry, serves as a valuable thickening agent for sauces, but it's essential to achieve a smooth consistency and maintain the correct ratio of cornstarch to water for optimal results. Avoid using more than 2 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoons of cornstarch, as this can dilute the sauce excessively and may not thicken it effectively. Arrowroot powder and tapioca starch also are good substitues for the cornstarch.
11. Low Calorie Spray: use your preferred brand. I like to opt for one without any emulsifiers, such as a avocado or olive oil spray.
12. Salt and Pepper: These essential flavour enhancers play a crucial role in elevating the taste of your dishes. We use them to season the steak bites and recommend using them to season the final dish to taste as well. They ensure your food is never bland when used appropriately.
13. Fresh Parsley: Added at the end of cooking to garnish and enhance the visual appeal of the dish while infusing it with additional flavour.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Stove Top Braised Beef

When preparing a recipe like this Braised Beef on the stove top, selecting the right pan is crucial, and a cast iron Dutch oven stands out as an excellent choice. Its thick, heavy construction ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking. The Dutch oven's tight-fitting lid also traps moisture and flavours, resulting in a rich and well-developed taste.

A cast iron Dutch oven on the stovetop will help you achieve that perfect blend of flavours and textures. Plus, its versatility means you can easily transition from searing ingredients to slow cooking, making it a versatile and indispensable tool for one-pot wonders.

In addition to a cast iron Dutch oven, another suitable pan for cooking a casserole on the stovetop is a large heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot with a lid. You want it to be deep enough to hold all the ingredients.

Pressure Cooker Braised Beef

If you happen to own a multi-function pressure cooker like an Instant Pot or another similar model, you can effortlessly prepare this recipe in significantly less time, thanks to the remarkable efficiency of pressure cooking. Pressure cooking not only expedites the cooking process but also allows for deeper flavor infusion into the ingredients, resulting in an equally delectable yet speedier outcome.

Simply start by following the initial stovetop steps, utilizing the sauté function in the pressure cooker. Then, switch to pressure cook mode, and after that, add the starch as directed at the end of the process. Finally, switch back to sauté mode to thicken the sauce, and you're on your way to a delicious meal with all the convenience of a pressure cooker.

Sides for Braised Beef

Here are some perfect side dish suggestions to complement braised beef, especially when served with mashed potatoes:

1. Mashed Potatoes - perfect for all that sauce or this Cheddar Spring Onion Mash for additional flavour
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus can provide a delicious contrast to the rich flavors of the braised beef.
3. Roasted French Green Beans: roasted green beans add a vibrant, crunchy element to your plate.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus seasoned with a bit of olive oil and garlic can add a fresh and slightly smoky flavor to your meal.
5. Steamed Tenderstem Broccoli - simple but delicious
6. Yorkshire Pudding: If you're looking for a British twist, serve your braised beef and mashed potatoes with these homemade Yorkshire Puddings for a comforting combination.
7. Roast Potatoes - for those tha prefer golden potatoes to mash
8. Sweet Potato Mash - adds a slight variation to regular mash
9. Cauliflower Mash - great for a low carb side option
10. Oat Soda Bread - perfect for mopping up that sauce if you love some bread with a casserole style dish.

Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

FAQ for Braised Beef