Description
A rich and flavorful Braised Beef Brisket with red wine, beef, fresh herbs, and earthy mushrooms. This tender dish is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 ounces beef, roughly chopped
- 3 pounds beef brisket (or chuck steak or stewing beef), trimmed of fat, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 large carrot, sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1 pinch coarse salt
- 1 pinch ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 12 pearl onions (optional)
- 3 cups red wine (such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti) – use only 2 cups for a milder sauce
- 2–3 cups beef stock (if using 2 cups of wine, use 3 cups beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pound white mushrooms, fresh, small or brown mushrooms, quartered
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add carrot, onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Braise the Beef: Add beef stock, tomato paste, crushed bouillon cube, thyme, bay leaves, and the remaining garlic to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Combine Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions: 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add quartered mushrooms and pearl onions (if using). Stir, cover, and continue cooking.
- Finishing the Sauce: Once beef is tender, remove from heat. Discard bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley. If sauce needs thickening, mash some vegetables and beef or reduce sauce uncovered.
- Serve: Serve the braised beef over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with remaining parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms, eggplant, or cauliflower.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the braise.
- You can use chuck roast, short ribs, or stewing beef instead of brisket.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a sprig of rosemary or sage (remove before serving).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg