Irresistible Braised Beef in Rich Tomato Herb Sauce

👉 🥩🍅 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞 🌿✨

A rich, slow-braised beef simmered in fragrant tomato-herb sauce — perfect over pasta, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes.

✅️ WHAT YOU NEED

◾️ 4 oz bacon or pancetta, diced (optional)

◾️ 3 lbs chuck roast, cut into 3 large pieces

◾️ Salt & black pepper

◾️ Olive oil (for searing)

◾️ 1 cup onion, diced

◾️ 1 cup carrot, diced

◾️ 1 cup celery, diced

◾️ 1 tbsp garlic, chopped

◾️ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

◾️ 2 cups beef broth

◾️ 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

◾️ 1 tsp thyme (fresh or ½ tsp dried)

◾️ 1 tsp rosemary (fresh or ½ tsp dried)

◾️ 1 tsp Italian seasoning

◾️ 2 bay leaves

🔹 Optional: balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese

🔹 HOW TO MAKE IT

👉 Step 1 – Cook the Bacon (Optional)

Crisp pancetta/bacon in Dutch oven, remove & set aside.

👉 Step 2 – Sear the Beef

Season chuck roast, sear on all sides until browned. Remove.

👉 Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables

Cook onion, carrot, celery (7–10 min). Add garlic & chili flakes.

👉 Step 4 – Build the Sauce

Add broth, crushed tomatoes, herbs, seasonings & bacon. Stir well.

👉 Step 5 – Braise the Beef

Return beef to sauce. Choose method:

◾️ Stovetop: Low simmer 2–4 hrs

◾️ Oven: 325°F / 160°C, 2½–3 hrs

◾️ Slow Cooker: LOW 8–10 hrs or HIGH 4–6 hrs

👉 Step 6 – Finish & Serve

Remove bay leaves. Shred beef into sauce. Stir in vinegar/tomato paste/Parmesan. Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

✨ Tip: Even tastier the next day as flavors meld!

⭐ Perfect comfort food for family dinners or special gatherings.