Savory Beef Red Wine Gravy Recipe: A Perfect Meal!
Welcome to my kitchen, fellow food enthusiasts! Today’s dish is a classic and comforting beef in red wine gravy recipe. This dish is hearty, rich, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having friends over for a dinner party or simply cooking for your family on a lazy Sunday.
The star of this recipe is the sauce – it’s made with a full-bodied red wine, beef broth, and a few other magical ingredients that come together to create a deliciously rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with tender beef. The result is juicy and tender meat that melts in your mouth, coated in an umami-packed gravy that will make every bite more satisfying than the last.
I’m confident that once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals during the colder months or whenever comfort food is calling your name. Gather the ingredients and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a sommelier, I understand that a delicious meal is not complete without the perfect wine pairing. That’s why I am thrilled to share with you my recipe for beef in red wine gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving comfort food on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to please.
One of the main reasons you will love this recipe is its rich and flavorful sauce made with red wine and beef broth. The combination creates a deep, complex taste that complements the tender and juicy beef perfectly. It’s like savoring every sip of your favorite red wine in every bite of your meal.
Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to make. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a show-stopping dish that will impress your guests. Plus, you can adjust the recipe based on your preferences – use beef tenderloin for an extra luxurious flavor or stew meat for a more hearty texture.
Furthermore, this recipe offers endless serving and pairing options. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a filling dinner or add some vegetables to make it a complete meal. As for pairing suggestions, opt for a rich and bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the sauce’s robust flavors.
In conclusion, this easy-to-make and versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion. With its luscious red wine gravy, juicy beef, and endless serving options, you’re bound to fall in love with it just as much as I have.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need for creating the Beef in Red Wine Gravy recipe:
- Beef Stew Meat: 2 lbs.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion, finely chopped: 1 large
- Cloves Garlic, minced: 2
- Red Wine (dry): 1 cup
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Flour: 2-3 tbsp
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (only if you want to thicken the gravy)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. You can also opt to use other types of beef such as beef tenderloin or rib roast, but beef stew meat is the most commonly used for this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let us now proceed with the cooking.
Preparing the Beef
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F or 160 degrees C.
- Heat a pan on high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear beef stew meat on all sides for 1-2 minutes until brown.
- Once done, put the beef in an oven-proof container.
Making the Red Wine Gravy
- Lower the heat of the pan to medium and sauté chopped onions for 2-3 minutes or until soft.
- Add minced garlic cloves and continue sautéing for another minute.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the onion and garlic mixture, then stir constantly for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add red wine to the pan while continuously stirring to avoid lumps, it should create a thick paste.
- Next, gradually pour in beef broth and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stir occasionally.
- Pour red wine gravy sauce over the beef stew meat in the oven-proof container.
Roasting
- Cover the container with aluminium foil, making sure to seal well to prevent moisture from escaping during cooking.
- Place it in the preheated oven and cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove from oven, take off foil cover, and let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Serve your Beef in Red Wine Gravy with mashed potato and steamed vegetables, and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up or customize this recipe to fit your preferences? Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Beef: If you can’t find or prefer not to use beef stew meat, you can use beef tenderloin, rib roast or prime rib. Keep in mind, however, that the cooking time might vary depending on the cut of meat and the thickness of the beef.
– Wine: The recipe calls for red wine, but you can use any type of wine that you prefer or have on hand. For a richer red wine flavor, choose a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
– Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, feel free to use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
– Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch or prefer not to use it, you can thicken the gravy with flour instead. Simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of cold water until smooth, then add it to the pan and stir until the gravy thickens.
– Vegetables: Add some chopped carrots or mushrooms to the stew for some extra flavor and nutrition.
– Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, to give the stew a unique twist.
Whether you’re making this recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these substitutions and variations will help you tailor this dish to your liking. Play around with different ingredients until you find your perfect combination.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this lip-smacking beef in red wine gravy recipe, you need to figure out the perfect way to serve and pair it. The rich, hearty flavors of this dish make it an excellent choice for an indulgent dinner party or a weekend family feast.
When serving, spoon the beef and the gravy generously onto plates and garnish with some fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, to enhance flavors and add a pop of color. You can also pair the dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or glazed carrots.
Wine pairing is something that every sommelier takes very seriously, and it’s no exception with this dish. The robust flavors in the beef and wine gravy require a full-bodied red wine that can handle its intense taste profile. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah would be an excellent match for this dish.
If you prefer white wine instead of red, choose a Chardonnay as it will stand up to the beef’s richness and creaminess of the sauce. Alternatively, if you are looking for a bubbly option, Prosecco or Champagne pairs beautifully with beef as well.
Remember, when it comes to pairing wines with food, there are no hard-and-fast rules – experimentation is key! So feel free to try different combinations until you find your perfect match.
Whatever your preference may be, this beef in red wine gravy recipe is sure to be a hit on any occasion. Whether you serve it for a fancy dinner party or casual weeknight dinner, it’ll leave everyone wanting more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This beef in red wine gravy recipe is perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool down first before storing it.
To reheat the dish, simply place it in a pot over low heat and add a little beef or chicken broth to help loosen the gravy. You might need to add a sprinkle of cornstarch or flour to thicken the gravy again, as it tends to become thinner after being refrigerated.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can follow the recipe instructions until step 5. Once you’ve added the wine, broth and seasonings, bring the mixture to a boil then turn off the heat. Allow the dish to cool down completely then store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until needed.
This make-ahead option makes this recipe a great choice for meal prepping or for preparing it for large gatherings. When you’re ready to serve it, just heat it up on the stove and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a delicious beef in red wine gravy recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure perfect results. Here are some of my favorite tips for making sure your dish turns out amazing:
1. Invest in good quality beef: The beef is the star of this dish, so it’s important to use high-quality beef that will result in tender and flavorful meat. Look for cuts like beef stew meat or beef tenderloin, which work well for braising.
2. Use a good quality red wine: Along with the beef, the red wine is an important ingredient in this recipe. Choose a wine that you would actually drink since it adds flavor to the dish.
3. Don’t skip the cornstarch: Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in gravies and sauces. Make sure to dissolve it in cold water before adding it to the sauce, as this will prevent lumps from forming.
4. Let it cook slowly: This may take some patience and planning ahead but allowing the beef to braise slowly over low heat ensures a tender and juicy outcome. You can also use a slow cooker to make things easier.
5. Skim off excess fat: While cooking, skim off any excess fat that rises to the top with a ladle or spoon.
6. Adjust seasoning before serving: Don’t be afraid to taste your red wine gravy before serving and adjust seasoning accordingly with salt and pepper.
By following these simple tips, your beef in red wine gravy will become an instant classic at your next family dinner!
FAQ
As with any recipe, it is normal to have some questions or concerns. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about this beef in red wine gravy recipe that can help you achieve the best result possible.
What’s the best red wine for gravy?
When it comes to red wine, merlot is one of the smoothest options. It features a luscious fruit flavor and is not too harsh on the palate due to its low tannin content. This versatile wine is perfect for cooking with proteins, so why not try using it in a reduction or a pan sauce?
How do you thicken red wine gravy?
When preparing a red wine sauce, you might wonder how to achieve a thicker consistency. A common and simple solution is to use cornflour, which is a type of thickening agent. To use it, mix an equal amount of cornflour with water to create a paste. Add the paste to the sauce while it simmers, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired thickness. This technique is an easy and effective way to perfect your red wine sauce.
What wine is best for roast beef gravy?
When it comes to pairing wine with saucy dishes, the flavor profile of the sauce is the key factor to consider. Dishes with intensely winey sauces are well-paired with full-bodied young red wines such as Syrah/Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. On the other hand, if the dish is served with gravy, it’s best to opt for more classic varieties like red Bordeaux or Rioja. Alternatively, a traditional ale or porter can also complement roast beef quite well, but it’s often an overlooked option.
Why do you cook beef in red wine?
When preparing meat dishes, adding wine to the marinade can be quite beneficial. This is because the alcohol content in the wine helps to break down the meat’s proteins, known as “denaturing”, which makes it more tender. Additionally, the wine adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, as it doesn’t fully evaporate during the cooking process. In fact, it can add an additional depth of taste that you would miss out on otherwise.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Beef in Red Wine Gravy recipe is an essential for your dinner repertoire. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied and happy. This easy recipe is perfect for the busy weeknight or the special occasion weekend, either way, it won’t disappoint.
When making this dish, it’s important to use quality ingredients. By using a rich red wine and beef broth, you’ll have a full flavored gravy that will be the highlight of this dish. The addition of onions and garlic creates a depth of flavor that complements the beef wonderfully.
Furthermore, there are plenty of variations to this recipe to make it your own. Substitute beef tenderloin for stew meat or prime rib for a special occasion. Add mushrooms or cranberries for extra flavors or make it in your slow cooker for a no-fuss meal.
Finally, pairing this dish with your favorite wine is a must! The same red wine used in the gravy is an excellent match with beef. A good rule of thumb: if it pairs well with beef bourguignon, then it will pair well with this recipe.
In short, Beef in Red Wine Gravy is an easy but impressive dish that will please your taste buds every time. With its rich flavors and versatility, you’ll surely want to add this recipe to your collection. So, don’t hesitate – grab the ingredients and start cooking!
Beef in Red Wine Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 coarsely chopped onion
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Trim fat from meat and cut the meat into 1-inch pieces. Place the meat and onion into slow cooker. Add wine and 1/2 cup of broth.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- To make gravy, heat remaining broth in microwave for 30 seconds. Add cornstarch and stir until blended. Add this to the slow-cooker. Cover and cook 15 minutes more.