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 I made the second time around! 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 I digress, as that will be shared later.
What you need to know about this 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.
6 comments
[…] 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.