Beef with oven sauce

Delicious Beef with Oven Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Beef with oven sauce is a classic dish, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This simple and flavorful recipe will surely impress everyone who tastes it. Follow the steps below and discover the secret to a juicy and aromatic roast.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef (ideal for cooking, such as shoulder or thigh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 400 ml tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml red wine (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the beef under cold water and drying it with paper towels. This will help achieve a nice crust and intense flavor. Cut the meat into cubes of about 3-4 cm.

2. Searing the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and sear them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t leave them too long, as you want to keep the juiciness. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they become slightly soft. This step is essential for developing a rich flavor.

4. Adding the sauce: Pour the tomato puree and red wine (if using) into the skillet, stirring well to loosen any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavors will enrich the sauce.

5. Combining the ingredients: Put the meat back into the skillet, add the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix everything to ensure an even distribution of spices.

6. Baking: Transfer everything to a deep baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-60 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

7. Serving: Once the meat is tender, remove the dish from the oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. You can serve it alongside mashed potatoes or polenta to fully enjoy the delicious sauce.

Suggestions and variations:

- You can replace the red wine with water or beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and a more pleasant appearance.
- For a sweet note, you can add some dried plums or figs to the sauce.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add a little chili pepper.

This beef with oven sauce recipe is not only tasty but also perfect for preparing in advance. It offers a rich and satisfying flavor, perfect for any meal. Enjoy every serving and relish the compliments from your loved ones!