Tuscan Braised Beef

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, this Tuscan Braised Beef might just be your new go-to. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it's perfect for those days when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, you're in for a treat!

Ingredients for Tuscan Braised Beef

The star of the show is the beef chuck roast. Its marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully over long, slow cooking, making it tender and flavorful. Olive oil is used for searing the beef, adding a slight richness. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, giving depth to the dish. Beef broth and red wine create a robust braising liquid, while diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Oregano and basil bring an Italian flair, while salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes enhance the overall flavor profile. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, and hoagie rolls with provolone cheese make it a hearty sandwich option.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the fridge with the herbs and spices for an hour before cooking.
  • If short on time, you can skip the searing step, but note that it adds depth of flavor.
  • Use a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking; it makes a difference in the final taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan Braised Beef is fantastic served on hoagie rolls with melted provolone, but it also pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a beef brisket or short ribs would also work well, though cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for red wine?
If you prefer, you can use additional beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Tuscan Braised Beef Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef chuck roast in the skillet and sear it on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for locking in flavors.

Once the beef is beautifully browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Now, let's deglaze. Pour red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This process adds incredible flavor. Pour this liquid gold over the beef in the slow cooker.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker: beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together just a bit.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for about 8 hours. You'll know it's done when the beef is so tender it practically falls apart when you gently pull it with a fork.

Once cooked, shred the beef right in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

To serve, pile the beef onto hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese. If the cheese doesn't melt right away, a quick broil in the oven will do the trick. Alternatively, enjoy it as a main dish alongside your favorite sides.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off cooking: Once it's in the slow cooker, you're free to go about your day.
  • Bold flavors: A savory blend of herbs, wine, and tomatoes packs a punch.
  • Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish with sides.
  • Comfort food at its best: Tender, juicy beef that shreds easily with a fork.

Ingredients

3 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned.
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up any browned bits, then pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the beef in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir in chopped parsley.
7. Serve on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.

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