Slow-Roasted Beef with Red Wine Sauce, Silky Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 4 lbs (about 1.8 kg) beef roast (preferably chuck or brisket)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups (about 480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) red wine
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Wine Sauce:

• Drippings from the roast
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) red wine
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Silky Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs (about 900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the Beef:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 165°C).
2. Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs, then return the beef to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
7. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and falling apart.

2. Preparing the Red Wine Sauce:

1. Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and cover it with foil to keep warm.
2. Strain the cooking liquid to remove the vegetables and herbs, then return the liquid to the pot.
3. Over medium heat, add the red wine and bring to a simmer.
4. In a small bowl, mix the flour and butter to form a paste. Whisk this paste into the simmering liquid to thicken the sauce.
5. Continue to simmer until the sauce has reduced by half and is thick and glossy, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Preparing the Silky Mashed Potatoes:

1. While the beef is roasting, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream and butter.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

4. Plating and Serving:

1. Slice the beef against the grain and arrange on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the red wine sauce over the beef.
3. Serve the beef with a generous helping of silky mashed potatoes and a side of greens (optional).
4. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips and Tricks

• Choosing the Beef: For slow-roasting, cuts like chuck, brisket, or even a rib roast work best as they become incredibly tender and flavorful over long, slow cooking.
• Resting the Beef: Allowing the beef to rest after roasting helps retain its juices and makes it easier to slice.
• Flavor Enhancements: Adding a bit of balsamic vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the red wine sauce can deepen the flavor.

Variations

• Herb-Crusted Beef: Before browning the beef, rub it with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) and minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for a rich, cheesy twist.
• Roasted Vegetables: Instead of sautéed greens, roast a medley of root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts) for a hearty side.

Final Thoughts

Creating a comforting meal at home doesn’t have to be complicated. This slow-roasted beef with red wine sauce, silky mashed potatoes, and greens is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-prepared ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Enjoy your culinary journey and happy cooking!

Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. If you have any other recipes or ideas in mind, I’m here to help!

Explore More: Delicious Kitchen Essentials