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.
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.
One year ago: Whipped Feta with Honey
Two years ago: Buckeye Milkshake
Four years ago: Gluten-Free White Chocolate Covered Strawberry Vanilla Wedding Cake
Six years ago: Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookies
Seven years ago: White Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshakes
Eight years ago: Bacon Wrapped Mac & Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
Ten years ago: Carrot Cake Batter Dip
Eleven years ago: Strawberry Mojito
Source: Adapted from Healthy World Cuisine, Food Schmooze, and AllRecipes.
14 comments
Hi. Is the tomato sauce ketchup or something else.
Thanks from Australia
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!
[…] another great comfort food recipe using the same cut of meat as I use in this pot roast, try Italian Braised Beef […]
[…] 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. […]
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.
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.
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
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.
[…] 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. […]
Is there something I could use to replace the wine?
You can use broth, apple cider vinegar, or grape juice!
Thank you!
You’re welcome, I also removed your last name as requested!
Thanks so much! Have a great day.