Apple Cider Braised Beef Roast
A delightful dish that combines tender beef with the sweet, tangy flavors of apple cider for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Ideal for slow braising
- 2 tablespoons Avocado oil For searing the beef
- 8 cloves Garlic (6 whole and 2 minced)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt (divided and more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Flour (divided) For dusting the beef
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter For sautéing onions
- 1 large Red onion (sliced) Adds sweetness
- 1 ¼ cups Apple cider Adds sweetness and acidity
- 1 ¼ cups Beef broth To braise the beef
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 sprigs Fresh thyme For flavoring
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices) To add fruitiness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 300ºF, ensuring a rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Pat the beef dry with a paper towel and make 6 small cuts deep enough to fit a garlic clove. Insert the garlic cloves into the slits.
- Season the beef with 1 ½ tablespoons of kosher salt and dust with 1 tablespoon of flour on all sides.
Cooking
- Heat a 3-quart or larger Dutch oven on medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil, and when hot, sear the meat for 5-6 minutes, ensuring to sear all sides. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce the temperature to medium heat, add in the butter and onions. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and remaining tablespoon of flour and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the apple cider, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot with the onions and whisk.
- Tuck in the thyme and add the roast back to the pot. Cover and braise in the oven for 2½-3 hours or until the meat just falls apart.
- About 20 minutes before the beef is done, add in the apples, cover, and return to the oven for the remaining 20-25 minutes.
- Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from the oven and shred with 2 forks into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Searing is key; don't skip the searing step for flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed and consider cornstarch for thicker gravy. Experiment with root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to enrich flavor.