Slow-Cooked Oven Beef Stew

This Oven Braised Beef is a truly versatile and incredibly hearty meal that promises to become a cherished family favorite. Imagine tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, so succulent it effortlessly falls off your fork. Flavored simply with the natural goodness of ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic, the result is nothing short of mouthwatering shredded beef, ready to be enjoyed in countless delicious ways. Whether you serve it alongside vibrant roast vegetables, piled high on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, nestled in a wholesome rice bowl, or tucked into warm tacos, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when beef is cooked low and slow, transforming humble cuts into something truly extraordinary. This oven braised beef recipe is a shining example of that culinary alchemy. While it requires a bit of patience, dedicating a few quiet hours at home as this beef gently bubbles and simmers in the oven will undoubtedly be worth every moment of anticipation. The rich aromas filling your kitchen alone are a testament to the deliciousness to come.

Prepare for beef that is not just tender, but truly fall-off-your-fork tender. Don’t be fooled by the surprisingly short and simple ingredient list; these basic components combine to create a deeply flavorful experience that packs a serious punch. It might be tempting to elaborate on the recipe with additional spices, a generous glug of red wine, or extra vegetables, and while those variations are certainly welcome, we encourage you to try this recipe in its purest form at least once. You might be genuinely surprised by how incredibly delicious something so simple can be!

Why You’ll Love This Oven Braised Beef Recipe

This Oven Braised Beef isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Amazingly Tender Beef: Through the magical process of slow braising, tough cuts of beef are transformed into unbelievably tender, succulent strands that melt in your mouth. The connective tissues break down over hours, leaving you with beef that’s effortlessly shreddable and bursting with flavor.
• Incredibly Versatile: One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. From a comforting Sunday dinner centerpiece to a quick weeknight meal component, this shredded beef can be reinvented in countless ways, ensuring you never get bored.
• Made with Pantry Staples: You likely have most of the ingredients for this dish already in your kitchen. Utilizing accessible and affordable staples means a delicious, gourmet-tasting meal is always within reach without a special trip to the grocery store.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a flavorful, ready-to-use protein for various meals throughout the busy week. It reheats beautifully, making lunchtime or quick dinners a breeze.
• Hands-Off Cooking: After a brief initial preparation, most of the cooking happens in the oven with minimal intervention. This allows you to go about your day while your oven does all the hard work, slowly transforming the beef into perfection.
• Deep, Rich Flavors: Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the long cooking time allows the flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and beef to meld and intensify, creating a remarkably rich, savory, and satisfying sauce that coats every piece of beef.
• A True Comfort Food Classic: There’s something inherently comforting about a slow-cooked meal, especially one as hearty and satisfying as braised beef. It’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you need a warm, soul-nourishing meal.

Love slow cooked beef as much as we do? Try this Shredded Mexican Beef next for another fantastic slow-cooked option!

Essential Ingredients for Your Oven Braised Beef

Crafting this tender, flavorful oven braised beef requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the deep, rich flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to make this incredible beef (full measurements are conveniently listed in the recipe card below):

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics. A good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Chuck Steak / Roast or Beef Brisket: These are ideal cuts for braising. They are tough cuts rich in collagen, which breaks down during slow cooking to create that incredibly tender, fall-apart texture and contributes to a silky, rich sauce. You could also use beef short ribs or even round roast if cut into cubes.
• Brown / Yellow Onion: A foundational aromatic that provides a sweet and savory base flavor when softened and lightly caramelized.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These form the acidic and slightly sweet liquid base of the braising sauce. They break down beautifully during cooking, creating a rich tomato-infused gravy that complements the beef perfectly.
• Garlic Cloves: Essential for depth of flavor. We use whole peeled cloves that soften and practically disintegrate into the sauce, infusing it with their pungent, savory goodness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a complex layer of umami. Its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet profile enhances the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Beef Stock: This liquid is crucial for the braising process, ensuring the beef remains submerged and moist while slowly cooking. It also adds significant beefy flavor to the final sauce. Choose a good quality, low-sodium stock to control the saltiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to bring out and balance all the other flavors. Seasoning in layers throughout the cooking process ensures maximum taste.

Essential Equipment: The Mighty Dutch Oven

While various pots can be used, a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is truly the star for this recipe. Its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution are ideal for slow braising in the oven, ensuring your beef cooks uniformly and develops the most tender texture. The tight-fitting lid keeps moisture locked in, creating a steamy environment that breaks down the tough cuts of meat beautifully.

How to Make Oven Braised Beef – Step by Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create incredibly tender and flavorful oven braised beef. The process is simple, but the results are truly spectacular!

Step 1: Sear the Beef
Preheat your oven to 160°C / 325°F. Place your Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a deep, rich flavor that will elevate your final dish. Once browned, transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Lower the heat to medium. If the pan appears dry, add a little more olive oil. Add the diced onion to the Dutch oven and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and turned a beautiful golden color. The softened onions will release their sweetness and form a flavorful aromatic base for the sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Braising
Return the browned beef to the Dutch oven. Add the canned diced tomatoes, beef stock, peeled garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is largely submerged in the liquid. This combination will create the rich braising liquid that infuses the beef with flavor.

Step 4: Slow Braise in the Oven
Place the lid securely on the Dutch oven and carefully transfer it to your preheated oven. Allow the beef to braise for 2 to 2½ hours. During this time, stir the contents twice to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. The beef is ready when it is incredibly tender and easily falls apart when tested with a fork. This slow cooking process is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the beef is perfectly tender, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Using two forks, easily shred the beef directly in the pot – there’s no need to transfer it to a cutting board. As you shred, gently squash any garlic cloves that haven’t fully disintegrated into the sauce, further enriching its flavor. Give everything a final good stir to combine the shredded beef with the luscious sauce, and it’s ready to serve!

Versatile Ways to Enjoy This Delicious Braised Beef

The beauty of this oven braised beef lies not just in its incredible flavor and tenderness, but also in its remarkable versatility. Once prepared, this shredded beef can be transformed into a multitude of delicious meals, making it perfect for creative cooking or simple weeknight dinners.

• Classic Comfort with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon generous amounts of the rich, shredded beef and its savory sauce over a comforting bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The ultimate warm and satisfying meal.
• Wholesome Rice Bowls: Create vibrant and nutritious rice bowls by pairing the braised beef with your favorite grains. Try it with fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or for an extra pop of flavor and color, use this turmeric rice. Add a medley of roasted or fresh vegetables, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and perhaps a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of sriracha for a complete meal.
• Fantastic Braised Beef Tacos, Burritos, or Quesadillas: Turn your braised beef into an unforgettable Mexican-inspired feast! Fill soft flour tortillas or crispy corn shells with the shredded beef, then load them up with your favorite toppings like cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, crisp shredded lettuce, grated cheese, and a vibrant salsa. For quesadillas, simply sandwich the beef and cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden and melty.
• Savory Fillings for Pastries: Use this flavorful beef as a hearty filling for homemade empanadas, pasties, or even savory hand pies. The tender beef and rich sauce are perfectly encased in flaky pastry for a delightful bite.
• Hearty Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile the warm, shredded beef onto toasted buns or slider rolls. Add some caramelized onions, a slice of cheese, or a tangy coleslaw for an incredibly satisfying sandwich experience.
• Elevated Pasta Sauce: Toss the shredded beef and its delicious sauce with your favorite pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh parsley for a comforting and hearty pasta dish that’s far beyond the ordinary.
• Robust Salad Topping: For a more substantial salad, add warm or chilled braised beef to a bed of mixed greens with roasted root vegetables, a light vinaigrette, and some crumbled feta.

Expert Tips for Cooking Perfect Oven Braised Beef

Achieving the most tender and flavorful braised beef is easy with a few key tips and tricks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip Browning the Meat! This step is non-negotiable for incredible flavor. Searing the beef cubes until they develop a deep brown crust creates a rich, complex flavor through the Maillard reaction. This adds a depth to the final sauce that you simply can’t achieve otherwise. It’s worth the extra effort and time!
• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: As mentioned, chuck steak/roast or beef brisket are ideal. These cuts, rich in connective tissue, break down beautifully during slow braising, resulting in that desirable fall-apart tenderness. Avoid lean cuts, which will dry out and become tough.
• Low and Slow is Key: Patience is a virtue when it comes to braising. The low oven temperature and long cooking time are essential for tenderizing the meat. Resist the urge to rush the process by increasing the heat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing: Browning the beef in batches is important. If you overcrowd the Dutch oven, the beef will steam instead of sear, preventing that crucial flavorful crust from forming. Give each piece space to brown properly.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: While the Dutch oven lid helps lock in moisture, it’s a good idea to check the liquid level during the braising process. If it looks like it’s reducing too much, you can add a little more beef stock or water to ensure the beef remains submerged.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: After the beef has finished cooking and you’ve shredded it, taste the sauce. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce to perfectly balance the flavors to your liking.
• Cooking Time Varies: The exact cooking time for the beef can vary depending on the specific cut you use, its thickness, and your oven’s calibration. Start checking for tenderness around the 2-hour mark. The beef is done when it shreds effortlessly with two forks. Don’t worry if it needs a little longer; this recipe is very forgiving!
• Spice It Up (Optional): If you prefer a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions. As the recipe stands, it offers a mild, rich flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Oven Braised Beef is excellent for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers. Proper storage and reheating will ensure it tastes just as good the second time around.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover braised beef and its sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled braised beef (with its sauce) to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Gently reheat the beef and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it.
• Reheating in Oven: For larger quantities, or if you prefer an oven method, place the beef and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and reheat at 160°C / 325°F for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Oven Braised Beef:

• Can I make this braised beef in a slow cooker? Yes, absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onion on the stovetop (Steps 1 & 2), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
• What can I add to make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, after shredding the beef, you can remove the lid and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
• Can I add other vegetables to the braise? Yes! Carrots, celery, and potatoes are excellent additions. Add chopped carrots and celery along with the onion to sauté. If adding potatoes, you can add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t become too mushy.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your beef stock and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free (most are, but always check labels).
• What if my beef isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time? Don’t worry! Braising times can vary. Simply return the Dutch oven to the oven and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to an hour, checking periodically, until the beef is fork-tender. The recipe is very forgiving.

More Delicious Beef Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of hearty and satisfying beef dishes, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Roast Beef
• Shredded Mexican Beef
• Beef and Vegetable Stew
• Curried Sausages
• Beef Chow Mein
• Beef Pasties
• Savoury Mince

If you’ve tried this delicious Oven Braised Beef, we would absolutely love to hear how you enjoyed it! Please take a moment to pop a comment and a star rating below to share your experience.

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📋 RECIPE

Oven Braised Beef

Yield:
6

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time:
2 hours 45 minutes

This Oven Braised Beef is a versatile and hearty meal that the whole family will love. Beef is cooked until it’s fall-off-your-fork tender, and is flavoured simply with tomatoes and garlic. The result? Mouthwatering shredded beef that can be used in so many ways. Serve it with roast vegetables, on top of mashed potatoes, in a rice bowl or tacos.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 800g / 1.7 lbs Chuck Steak / Roast or Beef Brisket, cut into cubes.
• 1 Brown / Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 x 400g / 14.5 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 5-8 Garlic Cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup Beef Stock
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160C / 325F. Heat oil in dutch oven on high heat. Add beef in batches and cook so it is browned on all sides. Move to a bowl and set aside.
2. Lower heat to medium, and if the pan is dry add a little more oil, then cook onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and golden.
3. Add beef back into the dutch oven, along with the tomatoes, stock, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
4. Place the lid on the dutch oven and place in the oven for 2 – 2 ½ hours (stirring twice in this time) until meat is tender and falls apart easily.
5. Use two forks to shred the beef (just do this in the dutch oven, no need to move it to a cutting board) and squash any garlic cloves that haven’t disintegrated during the cooking process. Give it all a good stir and serve.

Notes

• Don’t skip browning your meat! It makes all the difference in terms of flavour and is worth the extra effort.
• Cooking time for the beef will vary depending on the cut you use etc. I’d start checking on it around the 2-hour mark to see if it’s easily shredding, and then go from there.
• The recipe is forgiving, so if you need to keep in the oven a little longer, you’ll be fine!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 563Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 449mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 51g