Braised Beef in Sauce with Homemade Puree: A Rich and Flavorful Comfort Dish
Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and tender meal? This Braised Beef in Sauce with Homemade Puree is the perfect dish. The slow-cooked beef, simmered in a savory sauce, becomes incredibly tender, while the creamy homemade puree brings the dish to a whole new level. It’s a meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, this recipe will elevate your cooking game!
Why You’ll Love Braised Beef in Sauce with Homemade Puree:
- Tender & Flavorful: The slow braising process makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with deep flavors.
- Homemade Puree: The creamy vegetable puree complements the beef perfectly, adding texture and richness to the dish.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required—everything cooks together in one pot, making it both easy and efficient.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks impressive but is actually simple to prepare, perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
For the braised beef:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 ½ cups red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the homemade puree:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Sear the Beef (Time: 5-7 minutes)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, and sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside. - Cook the Vegetables (Time: 5 minutes)
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. - Add the Wine & Broth (Time: 2 minutes)
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. - Braise the Beef (Time: 2-3 hours)
Return the beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef braise for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. - Prepare the Homemade Puree (Time: 20 minutes)
While the beef is braising, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cauliflower, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, then set aside. - Finish the Beef (Time: 5 minutes)
Once the beef is done braising, remove it from the sauce and set it aside. Discard the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce in the pot until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Serve
Serve the braised beef over the creamy potato and cauliflower puree, spooning the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Braised Beef in Sauce with Homemade Puree:
- Slow-Cook for Best Flavor: Braising the beef slowly ensures it becomes tender and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the sauce.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day ahead of time and reheated. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
- Use a Tough Cut of Meat: Braising works best with tougher cuts of meat, like beef chuck or brisket, which become tender when cooked slowly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables to the puree, like parsnips or turnips, for different flavors.
FAQ:
- Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to braise the beef. After searing the beef and cooking the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, both the braised beef and the puree can be frozen. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stove until hot. - What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Meal:
This Braised Beef in Sauce with Homemade Puree is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef, savory sauce, and creamy puree combine to create a truly satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
