Chef Mitchell preparing Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this delightful combination of braised beef and risotto during a culinary tour in Italy. The rich flavors and creamy texture captivated me, and I spent years perfecting the recipe. Combining the savory beef with the creamy risotto creates a restaurant-quality dish that I love to share with family and friends. Now, it’s a staple in my home, bringing joy to every dinner table."

With a passion for Italian cuisine, I have dedicated over 10 years to mastering classic dishes. My love for fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods shines through in my recipes. I enjoy teaching others how to create authentic Italian meals at home, making each dining experience special.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto served on a plate

Why This Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto Recipe Works

This recipe combines two of Italy's most beloved comfort foods, creating a meal that is both hearty and elegant. The slow-cooked braised beef is infused with flavors from red wine and herbs, while the risotto offers a creamy, cheesy base that complements the beef perfectly. Together, they create a balanced dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

The technique of braising ensures that the beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the risotto requires careful attention to achieve its creamy texture. This dish demonstrates the beauty of Italian cooking, where patience and quality ingredients yield delicious results.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure that your beef is well-seared before braising, as this adds depth to the flavor. Also, remember to stir the risotto frequently, adding broth gradually to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the braised beef ahead of time and reheat it gently. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge. The risotto is best made fresh, but you can prepare the broth and gather ingredients in advance.

You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as alternatives to beef broth, though the flavor may differ slightly. For a richer taste, consider using a mixture of red wine and water to enhance the sauce.

The beef is done when it is fork-tender and shreds easily. The risotto is perfectly cooked when it's creamy and the rice is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it.

It's best to freeze the braised beef separately from the risotto, as the risotto's texture may change when frozen. Store the beef in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat both before serving.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. A nice red wine also complements the flavors beautifully.

When stored in an airtight container, Braised Beef can last up to 3 days in the fridge, while the risotto is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Yes, braising the beef in advance is a great idea. Just reheat it gently on the stove. For the risotto, it’s best made fresh, but you can prepare the broth and chop vegetables ahead of time.

Reheat the beef on low heat in a pot, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For the risotto, add a little broth while reheating in a pan, stirring until creamy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The risotto has dried out and lacks creaminess.

Solution: Add a bit of warmed broth and stir well to reincorporate moisture. Keep it on low heat and add gradually until desired consistency is reached.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The beef lacks a crispy outer layer.

Solution: Ensure you are searing the beef on high heat initially and not overcrowding the pan. This allows the meat to caramelize properly.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The beef is dry and tough.

Prevention: To prevent this, monitor the cooking time closely and check for tenderness. If beef is overcooked, it cannot be salvaged, so adjust cooking times for next time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The beef is tender on the outside but tough in the center.

Recovery: Ensure that the beef is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking. If undercooked, return it to the pot and continue braising until fully tender.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The beef has a burnt exterior.

Prevention: Lower the heat during searing to avoid burning. Use a heavy-bottomed pot that distributes heat evenly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, add more unsalted broth or a tablespoon of sugar to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, increase seasoning with salt and pepper, and enhance with fresh herbs or additional cheese.

Fresh ingredients for Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto

Essential Ingredients for Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto

The key ingredients for this dish include a well-marbled beef cut, which ensures tenderness during the braising process. Arborio rice is essential for achieving the creamy texture of the risotto. Fresh vegetables and herbs add depth of flavor, while quality Parmesan cheese provides the signature creaminess and richness.

Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Choose grass-fed beef for enhanced flavor, and opt for fresh, organic vegetables when available. The cheese should be freshly grated for maximum flavor and texture, as pre-grated varieties often lack the same richness.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for well-marbled cuts, as the fat will render during cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful. Look for cuts with a deep red color and avoid any that appear dry or discolored.
  • Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice is essential for risotto. Its high starch content helps create the desired creamy consistency. Always rinse lightly before use to remove excess starch and ensure even cooking.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor. Grate it fresh as needed to preserve its rich taste and avoid the additives found in pre-grated options.
Cooking process for Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto requires a few essential steps to ensure a successful dish. Start by searing the beef to develop a deep flavor, followed by sautéing the vegetables to create a flavorful base. Then, braising the beef slowly allows it to absorb all the rich flavors.

While the beef is braising, prepare the risotto by gradually adding broth to the rice, stirring constantly. This technique releases the starches, creating a creamy texture essential for the dish. Patience is key, as rushing this process can lead to less-than-perfect results.

Key Technique for Perfect Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto

The crucial technique for this dish is the slow braising of the beef. This process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender. Combine that with the gradual addition of broth to the risotto, and you’ll achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Braised Beef with Parmesan Risotto

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon flour
    For thickening
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For richness
  • 1/2 cup red wine
    For depth of flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
    Cut into chunks
  • 1 cup beef broth
    Low sodium
  • 1 cup red wine
    For braising
  • 1 medium onion, diced
    For flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For aroma
  • 2 carrots, diced
    For sweetness
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
    For depth
  • 1 bay leaf
    For aroma

Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned.

  2. Add Vegetables

    Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

  3. Deglaze

    Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Add Broth and Herbs

    Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  5. Braise the Beef

    Cover the pot and braise the beef for 3 hours or until tender, turning occasionally.

  6. Prepare Risotto

    In a separate pot, heat chicken broth and keep warm. In another pan, add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.

  7. Cook Risotto

    Add warm chicken broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente.

  8. Finish Risotto

    Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Serve

    Slice the braised beef and serve over a bed of Parmesan risotto, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the braised beef separately from the risotto to maintain texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A glass of Chianti pairs excellently, enhancing the flavors of the beef.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the braising liquid, such as rosemary or oregano. You can also add mushrooms to the risotto for an earthy flavor.