Indulge your senses with the rich and savory delight of Braised Beef with Mushrooms, a classic French dish that promises to transport you straight to a cozy bistro in Paris! Imagine tender, succulent beef simmered to perfection, enveloped in a luscious sauce infused with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your family and friends clamoring for seconds. With just a little patience and the right techniques, you can create a dish that’s worthy of any special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a better sear and develops deeper flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or braising pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This process should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and start to caramelize, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onions and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Return the browned beef cubes to the pan and pour in the beef broth. The liquid should almost cover the meat. If needed, add a bit more broth or water.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the beef braise slowly, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally and checking that the liquid maintains a very gentle simmer. The meat should become fork-tender and easily pull apart.
- Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to absorb more of the cooking liquid.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious braising liquid.
Tips
- Sear for Success: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef cubes! This crucial process enhances the flavor and adds depth to your dish. Make sure your pan is hot enough to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Mind the Moisture: When cooking the mushrooms, allow them to release their moisture fully before adding the beef back to the pan. This ensures a rich, concentrated flavor in your braising liquid.
- Low and Slow: The key to tender beef is to braise it slowly over low heat. This allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste the braising liquid before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the beef rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the meat absorb the juices, making each serving even more flavorful.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Braised Beef with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of green vegetables or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 309kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
