Delicious Coffee Braised Beef Recipe for Foodies
If you’re a meat lover and enjoy experimenting with different recipes, then this coffee braised beef recipe is something you need to try. This dish combines the earthy flavor of coffee with the rich taste of beef to create an indulgent meal that will leave you satisfied.
With this recipe, you’ll be using ancho coffee – a unique blend of quality ground coffee and spicy ancho chiles – to add a depth of flavor to the dish. The level of heat is completely customizable for your own personal preference, so you can make it as mild or as hot as you like.
Braising beef in liquids is a cooking method that uses gentle heat and moist air to break down tough cuts of meat into tender, succulent dishes. By adding coffee and a few other key ingredients, we’re taking that method to new heights.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this coffee braised beef recipe is sure to impress. So, get ready to experience the deliciousness of coffee-braised meat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a new meaty recipe to try out? Look no further than our coffee-braised beef recipe. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire, and for good reason.
Let me convince you. First of all, who doesn’t love melt-in-your-mouth beef? The braising method we use in this recipe ensures that the beef is cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender. And thanks to the addition of our secret ingredient – coffee – the beef develops an intense, rich flavor that will leave you wanting more.
But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Use a chuck roast or pot roast for a classic, cozy meal, or switch things up with short ribs or brisket for something more elegant. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try braising beef barbacoa-style with lime juice and ancho chile.
Not only is our coffee braised beef recipe delicious, it’s also easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, so all you have to do is throw the ingredients in and let them simmer away while you go about your day.
And let’s not forget about the health benefits of eating beef. It’s packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. Plus, our coffee-braised method uses less oil than traditional dry heat cooking methods, making it a healthier option overall.
So there you have it – tender, flavorful, versatile, easy to make, and good for you too! Don’t just take my word for it though; try out our coffee-braised beef recipe for yourself and see why it’s truly a standout dish.
Ingredient List
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4-5 pounds of beef chuck roast, trimmed
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4 garlic cloves, crushed and divided
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2 teaspoons of ancho coffee (or ground coffee)
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1 teaspoon of salt, divided
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1 tablespoon of olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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1 cup of strong brewed Gevalia coffee (Black Silk or Dark Roast recommended)
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1 cup of beef broth
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2 tablespoons of cornstarch
For the ancho coffee blend:
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2 tablespoons of ancho chile powder
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2 tablespoons of ground coffee
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½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
For tender and flavorful coffee braised beef, choose a beef chuck roast. This cut contains enough fat to prevent the meat from drying out during braising, and it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks.
Step 2: Trimming and Seasoning the Meat
Trim any excess fat from a 3-pound beef chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels. Then season it generously on all sides with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Preparing the Braising Liquid
Step 3: Flavoring the Liquid
To give the coffee braised beef a rich and complex flavor, make a braising liquid by combining 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, 1 cup of red wine, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of ancho chile powder, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a bowl.
Step 4: Prepping the Vegetables
Slice one large onion into thin rings and crush four garlic cloves.
Braising the Meat
Step 5: Browning the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add seasoned beef to the pot and cook until well-browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total.
Step 6: Adding the Liquid
Pour prepared braising liquid over the browned meat. Make sure that liquid covers at least halfway up its side.
Step 7: Adding Vegetables
Add sliced onions and divided crushed garlic around the meat.
Step 8: Cooking the Meat
Put lid on pot or oven safe Dutch oven, set to low heat, preheated between 325°F-350°F depending on your recipe instructions. Slowly simmer for about 3 1/2-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Step 9: Finishing the Sauce
Remove beef from pot and transfer to a plate. Strain leftover sauce through a sieve and separate fat using a fat separator . Add cornstarch, traditional roux, or slurry mix-in method to thicken sauce base as desired.
Step 10: Serving
Slice the beef chuck roast and pour thickened sauce on top. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Substitutions and Variations
Coffee-braised beef is a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you could try:
– Beef cut: While the recipe calls for beef chuck roast, you could also use pot roast, braised short ribs, or even brisket. Any cut of beef that is best suited for slow cooking would work well.
– Ancho coffee: If you can’t find ancho coffee, you could use regular ground coffee and add some ancho chile powder for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you could also use dark roast coffee instead.
– Cooking method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you could still make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Red wine: Instead of using red wine, you could substitute it with beef broth or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
– Vegetables: To add more flavor and nutrition to the dish, feel free to add some sliced onions or carrots during the last hour of cooking. You could also toss in some potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
– Serving suggestions: While this recipe is delicious on its own, it can also be served over mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. You could also use it as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create a unique and delicious coffee-braised beef recipe that suits your taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
The coffee-braised beef may appear to be a hearty, savory dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of other flavors, including sweet and tangy. It is an ideal dish for a cozy dinner party or a special occasion. The tender, succulent beef pairs wonderfully with buttered mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. The slow cooking process ensures the meat will be fork-tender and perfect for shredding. The broth produced by the cooking process is quite rich and flavorful and can be used as a base for a luscious gravy to serve over the beef.
For bold flavors, consider pairing this coffee-braised beef with a dark roast coffee or red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine’s bold fruit flavors and hints of spice complement the rich flavor of the beef and add depth to the dish. You can also try pairing this recipe with hot sauce, pickles, or your favorite barbecue sauce to give it a zesty twist.
If you prefer something lighter to balance out the rich flavor of the beef, you can consider serving it with a green salad with vinaigrette dressing or simple roasted carrots seasoned with salt and pepper. Additionally, serving freshly baked bread is always an excellent accompaniment to any braised beef dish.
Overall this coffee-braised beef recipe packs in so much flavor that it pairs perfectly with a wide range of side dishes to suit all tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking for something comforting or something adventurous, this recipe has got you covered!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This coffee-braised beef recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead and stored for later use. To make ahead, simply let the beef cool in the cooking liquid before refrigerating. Once refrigerated, the fat will rise to the surface and solidify, making it easy to remove before reheating.
When storing this coffee-braised beef, it can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm the beef gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat with some of the cooking liquid until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
While this coffee-braised beef recipe is delicious on its own, it can also be used in a variety of dishes such as tacos or sandwiches. For added flavor and texture, shred or chop the beef into small pieces before reheating.
To enhance the flavor of this dish even further, consider adding additional aromatics such as bay leaves or rosemary when reheating. This will infuse the meat with a fresh burst of flavor that will complement the coffee’s earthy tones.
Overall, this coffee-braised beef recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal or planning ahead for future meals, this dish hits all the right notes.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results when making coffee braised beef, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Here are some helpful tips to follow:
1. Use high-quality beef: The success of this dish lies in the quality and tenderness of the beef. So, make sure to use high-quality beef such as chuck roast, short ribs or brisket to ensure that it will cook nicely and provide rich flavor.
2. Trim excess fat: Before cooking, be sure to trim any excess fat from the meat. This will not only result in healthier dishes but also prevent the taste of overbearing greasiness in your final product.
3. Sear the meat: Sear the meat on all sides before cooking for additional flavor enhancement and texture improvement. By doing so, you can achieve a crispy outer crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
4. Don’t skimp on the coffee: The coffee is what gives this dish its unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to add it into your recipe according to the instructions provided.
5. Utilize a slow cooker: For an exceptionally tender result, use a slow cooker and allow enough time for it cook slowly until it falls apart easily with a fork.
6. Let it rest: Once cooked, remove the dish from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute evenly throughout the meat for an even juicier bite.
With these handy tips, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that will become your new favorite comfort food.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that need clarification. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help ensure your coffee braised beef turns out perfectly every time.
What is the difference between braised beef and roast beef?
One cooking technique that combines both moist and dry heat is braising. As for roasting, it involves using dry heat from an oven, open flame, or other heat source.
What is the best for braised beef?
When it comes to making braised beef, it is recommended to use a less expensive and tougher cut of beef. This type of beef will become tender and flavorful after being cooked slowly in the oven. A good choice for this is chuck roast, which is readily available at most grocery stores.
What does braising do to beef?
When it comes to cooking meat or vegetables, braising is a reliable method for bringing out a rich flavor. This process entails browning the ingredients in oil and then cooking them in a pot with a small amount of liquid. The dish can be prepared either on the stove or in the oven, and the slow cooking time is key to tenderizing even the toughest cuts of meat.
Bottom Line
As a coffee lover and an avid cook, I strongly recommend trying out the coffee braised beef recipe. It’s a unique and flavorful way to prepare beef that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests impressed. The rich and robust flavors of this dish are sure to make any dinner party unforgettable.
This recipe utilizes the full potential of coffee by incorporating its bold flavor into a savory meat dish. The various spices and seasonings perfectly complement the coffee braised tender meat, making it a favorite for many meat-eating individuals.
You can serve it alone or with mashed potatoes, vegetables or rice. Additionally, because of its long cooking time, it is perfect for meal prep and eating leftovers throughout the week.
The possibilities are countless when it comes to this recipe. You can even experiment with different cuts of beef and adjust the seasoning to create your own version of this delicious meal.
Whether you are an experienced home chef or just starting to learn how to cook, give this coffee braised beef recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Coffee Braised Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chuck roast
- 5 -6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 1/2 cups prepared strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat slow cooker to low (or preheat oven to 350F).
- Using a sharp knife, pierce 5-6 deep slits in roast. Push a garlic clove into each hole. Place the roast in the slow cooker (or in a roasting pan) and pour coffee over meat.
- Cook on low 6-8 hrs (or bake in oven 2-3 hours).
- Remove beef to a serving plate, tent with foil and let rest. Meanwhile, pour drippings into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk cornstarch and water together. When drippings are simmering, slowly add cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly. Stop when desired constituency is reached. Slice meat and serve with gravy.