Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta

by Erin

This slow cooked, Italian Braised Beef is a show stopper of a meal and yet most of the cooking time is inactive. Serve over Parmesan Polenta to impress your guests.

Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta.

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As you may know, I loved a good themed meal. During COVID lockdown, I dreamed of all the themed dinner parties I would host once things went back to “normal”. Jokes on me, right?

Despite the madness, we have managed to host a few smaller outdoor gatherings when the weather cooperated (or not as we heavily used our gas-powered space heater for porch visits during winter), one of which actually had two renditions.

I can’t recall where I got it in my head, but hosting a full nine course Italian dinner party was at the top of my list (because the Seven Hobbit Meals weren’t enough). But when the primary people I had hoped to invite had conflicting schedules, I decided to do it twice. Yes, I know I’m nuts.

I’m not going to get into the entire menu just yet (I’ll post the full menu in its own post), but the first time I hosted the Italian dinner party I made beef braciole as the meat course. As a testament to it’s deliciousness, I lacked the patience to ensure I captured good photos. Instead, I am sharing the Italian braised beef from the second menu.

I honestly cannot say which I liked better. Both were different enough to be uniquely delicious. Also both catered to their accompanying other courses. But either would be delicious served with Italian roasted potato bites and/or roasted broccoli if you’re not in the mood to cook 9 courses. But I digress.

What you need to know about this Italian Braised Beef recipe, is that once your brown up the outside of the beef chunks, saute the veggies, and cook down the wine, you combine it all back in the Dutch oven to simmer in the oven, for 3-4 hours. Towards the end of the cooking time, whip up the polenta are serve the beef on top. It’s hearty, flavorful, and absolute comfort food.

We may have required an extended break between courses after this one – ha.

Italian Braised Beef served with Parmesan Polenta.

Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta.

ITALIAN BRAISED BEEF WITH PARMESAN POLENTA

Print
Yield: 6-8 servings Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

BRAISED BEEF

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour*, divided
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 Tbsp Italian parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cup beef broth, plus extra if needed
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

POLENTA

  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup dry polenta
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a gallon zip-top bag, place the beef cubes, 1 tablespoon of flour, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat. Shake off excess flour and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch Oven (or other pot with an oven-proof lid) over a high heat. When the oil is hot, add the floured beef and cook until evenly browned on all sides, turning as needed (may need to batches depending on pot size). Remove the beef to a plate.
  4. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and season with additional salt and of pepper to taste. Cook 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove to another plate.
  5. Add more oil if needed to total 2 tablespoons in the bottom of the pan. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 6-7 minutes for a medium roux. Add the wine and scrape up any bits that cling to the bottom of the pan; cook until the alcohol evaporates, and the wine reduces, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the beef broth, tomato sauce and bay leaf and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the beef and vegetable back to the pot, place the lid on top, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours or until so tender that you can slice your beef with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. About 45 minutes until the beef is done, prepare the polenta. Pour broth, water, and salt in a large sauce pan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and then slowly pour in polenta, whisking constantly until there are no lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and individual grains are tender. Turn off and remove from heat.
  8. Stir in butter until partially melted. Add 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and stir until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken. Season with salt to taste before transferring to a serving bowl or platter, top with beef, and more parmesan and parsley for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

*You could also use cornstarch for gluten free.

Did You Make This Recipe?
I want to see! Tag me on Instagram at @TheSpiffyCookie and hashtag it #TheSpiffyCookie.

Source: Adapted from Healthy World Cuisine, Food Schmooze, and AllRecipes.

Did you make this recipe? I want to see! Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE

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14 comments

Shannon July 23, 2024 - 7:57 am

Hi. Is the tomato sauce ketchup or something else.
Thanks from Australia

Reply
Erin July 23, 2024 - 8:41 am

Hi Shannon. Tomato sauce is a very basic pasta sauce. Here is an example (https://www.amazon.com/Cento-Sauce-Italiano-Tomato-Cans/dp/B07VFXHFYS/ref=asc_df_B07VFXHFYS/). If you do not have this product in Australia, you could make your own (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce). I hope that helps!

Reply
Old Fashioned Pot Roast With Vegetables and Gravy | Syrup and Biscuits January 16, 2024 - 4:21 pm

[…] another great comfort food recipe using the same cut of meat as I use in this pot roast, try Italian Braised Beef […]

Reply
Balin's Spiced Beef Roast November 28, 2023 - 1:59 pm

[…] But now I’m in need of some hot tea and a slow cooked meal. This spiced beef roast would be perfect right about now. I actually made it back in February for our Lord of the Rings movie marathon (Balin is one of the dwarves). It was devoured in true hobbit form. Another great slow cooked beef is my Italian Braised Beef. […]

Reply
Lisa T April 10, 2023 - 1:43 pm

Is it okay to make the polenta ahead of time? This is going to be one of my courses for a dinner but do t want guests waiting while I make the polenta.

Reply
Erin April 10, 2023 - 4:37 pm

Yes, the polenta can be made ahead and reheated: add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or stock, cover the dish, and reheat in the microwave or in a pan over low heat. Whisk well before serving.

Reply
Dana March 10, 2023 - 9:56 pm

Hello, I’m interested in making this for my Moms birthday dinner next week. What veggie would you recommend to go with this? Also is this recipe enough for 7 hungry people or should I double it? Thanks so much

Reply
Erin March 13, 2023 - 12:22 pm

What a great way to celebrate! I served it with lemon-roasted carrots (similar to https://www.thespiffycookie.com/2019/04/17/herb-roasted-carrots-parsnips/) but broccoli would also be good! The recipe should feed 6-8 people but if you have big eaters it might be a good idea to double it.

Reply
Best of 2022 January 25, 2023 - 8:22 am

[…] Italian Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta (9/12/22) – Exhibit A: this was one of the main dishes on my Nine Course Italian Dinner Menu. […]

Reply
Stephanie October 5, 2022 - 1:06 pm

Is there something I could use to replace the wine?

Reply
Erin October 5, 2022 - 8:50 pm

You can use broth, apple cider vinegar, or grape juice!

Reply
Stephanie October 6, 2022 - 8:27 am

Thank you!

Reply
Erin October 10, 2022 - 7:48 pm

You’re welcome, I also removed your last name as requested!

Reply
Stephanie October 11, 2022 - 9:13 am

Thanks so much! Have a great day.

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