Braised Beef: Family Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef chuck (cut into large pieces)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500 ml beef broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper according to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the meat chunks on all sides. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
4. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the Dutch oven and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add diced carrots and celery to the Dutch oven and cook until caramelized.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for two minutes.
7. Add the beef broth to the Dutch oven, along with paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
8. Return the beef to the Dutch oven.
9. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven.
10. Cook for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
11. Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let it rest for five minutes.
12. Season the braised beef with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Serving Suggestion:

• Serve the braised beef with a side of mashed potatoes or buttery noodles and a vegetable medley.
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Verdict:

This slow-cooked, tender and flavorful Braised Beef is the perfect comfort food. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a cozy date night. The beef chunks are fork-tender, and the combination of vegetables, broth, and spices creates a rich, hearty sauce that perfectly complements the meat. Serve it with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, and you have a delicious meal that will warm your soul.