Sunday stash braised beef: a comforting family recipe

Ingredients for Sunday stash braised beef

• 2250 g boneless beef short ribs or Denver steaks

• 20 g kosher salt

• 15 g freshly ground black pepper

• 15 ml (or more) canola or vegetable oil

• 5 garlic cloves, crushed

• 30 g tomato paste

• 120 ml red or white wine vinegar

• 360 ml (or more) beef or chicken stock

• 4 dried bay leaves

How to make Sunday stash braised beef

1. Season the beef on all sides with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1 hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 135°C (fan) / 140°C (conventional).

3. Heat 15 ml of oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat.

4. Working in batches, add the beef to the hot oil and sear until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed. Transfer the browned meat to a plate.

5. Add the garlic and tomato purée to the hot casserole dish, stirring to coat. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously, until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

6. Pour in the vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

7. Stir in the stock and bay leaves, then nestle the short ribs back into the pot. The liquid should just cover the meat; if it doesn’t, add more stock or water until it does.

8. Transfer the dish to the oven and braise until the meat falls apart easily when shredded with a fork, about 3 1/2–4 hours. Allow the beef to cool in the braising liquid.

9. Do Ahead: The beef can be cooked up to 5 days in advance. Store it in the braising liquid (to prevent drying out) in an airtight container and chill, or freeze for up to 2 months. Before reheating, break off and discard the fat cap that forms on top.

10. Cooks’ Note: To cook in a slow cooker, transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker instead of the oven and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.