Chef Mitchell preparing Garlic Butter Braised Beef
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Garlic Butter Braised Beef recipe during a chilly winter evening when I craved something hearty and flavorful. After experimenting with different herbs and techniques, I finally perfected it. This dish has become a family favorite, embodying warmth and comfort in every bite."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade mastering American cuisine, focusing on hearty dinner recipes. His expertise in flavor pairings and cooking techniques has led to the creation of over 1000 delicious recipes that capture the essence of home cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Garlic Butter Braised Beef served on a plate

Why This Garlic Butter Braised Beef Recipe Works

This Garlic Butter Braised Beef recipe stands out due to its simplicity and robust flavors. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while absorbing the aromatic garlic and butter. The result is a rich, savory dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.

The technique of braising locks in moisture and flavor, making this dish perfect for family dinners. The combination of fresh herbs enhances the overall taste, creating a well-balanced meal that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.

💡 Professional Tip

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in the garlic, herbs, and butter mixture. This will intensify the taste and make the beef even more tender. Additionally, searing the beef before braising is crucial for developing a rich, complex flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Garlic Butter Braised Beef can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently before serving.

If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be good substitutes. However, keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly. For a richer taste, consider using a combination of water and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This typically takes about 45 minutes of braising time, but you can check for doneness earlier. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Braised Beef. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Garlic Butter Braised Beef pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also make excellent side dishes, adding balance and color to your meal.

Properly stored in an airtight container, Garlic Butter Braised Beef will last in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain its flavor and texture, ensure it's cooled before sealing and refrigerating.

Yes, making Garlic Butter Braised Beef in advance is a great idea! It allows the flavors to develop even more. Simply prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently when you're ready to serve.

The best way to reheat Garlic Butter Braised Beef is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist while gently warming it. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

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Too Dry

Problem: If your Garlic Butter Braised Beef turns out dry, it could be due to overcooking or not enough liquid.

Solution: To fix this, ensure you add enough broth during cooking. If it's already dry, shred the beef and mix it with a little broth to moisten it before serving.

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Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes the beef doesn't develop that desired crispy exterior.

Solution: For a crispier texture, try searing the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. You can also finish it under the broiler for a few minutes after braising to achieve that golden crust.

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Overcooked

Problem: If the beef is overcooked, it may become mushy and lose its texture.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right temperature without going past it.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can occur if the beef chunks are too large.

Recovery: For recovery, cut the larger chunks smaller and return them to the pot to continue cooking until tender. Ensure you have enough liquid in the pot to facilitate even cooking.

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Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the beef has a burnt exterior, it may be due to too high heat during searing.

Prevention: To prevent burning, use medium heat and ensure to monitor the beef closely. Deglazing with broth can help lift any burnt bits and enhance flavor.

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Flavor Balance

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

Too Salty: If it's too salty, adding more unsalted butter or a bit of sugar can help neutralize the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance the flavor by stirring in more herbs or seasoning to taste.

Fresh ingredients for Garlic Butter Braised Beef

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Braised Beef

The key ingredients in this recipe include a well-marbled beef chuck roast, which ensures tenderness and flavor during the braising process. Fresh garlic, aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, and high-quality unsalted butter are essential for creating a rich sauce.

Using fresh ingredients makes a significant difference in the final dish. Quality beef and fresh herbs enhance the overall flavor profile and make the Garlic Butter Braised Beef a standout meal.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast to ensure tenderness and flavor. The marbling helps keep the meat juicy during the cooking process, leading to a more satisfying dish.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic notes, enhancing the overall taste of the braised beef.
  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Cooking process for Garlic Butter Braised Beef

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Garlic Butter Braised Beef involves searing the beef to develop a rich crust, followed by a gentle braise in a flavorful broth. This method locks in moisture and enhances the overall taste.

By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly tender beef with a luscious garlic butter sauce that elevates the dish to a comforting masterpiece.

Key Technique for Perfect Garlic Butter Braised Beef

The key technique is the braising method, which involves cooking the beef slowly in liquid over low heat. This allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender and flavorful meat while infusing the dish with rich flavors from the aromatics and herbs.

Garlic Butter Braised Beef

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
    Chopped, for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
    Chopped, for flavor
  • Salt to taste
    For seasoning
  • Pepper to taste
    For seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
    Cut into large chunks
  • 8 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 medium onion
    Diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
    For braising
  • 1 cup carrots
    Sliced
  • 1 cup celery
    Diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For searing
  • 2 bay leaves
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef

    Season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.

  2. Sauté the Aromatics

    Remove the beef and add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

  3. Add Garlic and Herbs

    Stir in minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

  4. Deglaze the Pot

    Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

  5. Add Butter

    Add 1 cup of butter to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low, braising for about 45 minutes.

  6. Check for Tenderness

    After 45 minutes, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily shredded.

  7. Finish and Serve

    Remove the bay leaves and stir in remaining butter until melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

  8. Enjoy

    Serve the Garlic Butter Braised Beef with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To properly store Garlic Butter Braised Beef, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it to preserve the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic Butter Braised Beef over creamy mashed potatoes, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a fresh green salad. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce, making for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Explore variations of Garlic Butter Braised Beef by adding different vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms. You can also experiment with spices such as paprika or cumin for a unique twist on this classic dish.