A Hearty Meal: Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry Recipe
Are you craving a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for the upcoming fall season? Look no further than this Beef in Red Wine With Cranberry Recipe. This crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its tender and flavorful beef, rich red wine sauce, and slightly sweet cranberry flavor.
The combination of cranberry sauce and red wine might sound unusual, but trust me when I say that it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The sweetness of the cranberry pairs perfectly with the boldness of the red wine, creating a savory and slightly tangy sauce.
This recipe can be made with either stewing beef or beef tenderloin, depending on your preferences. And don’t worry, it’s easy to prepare! All you need is a Dutch oven or slow cooker and some basic pantry staples like olive oil, butter, and flour.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this Beef in Red Wine With Cranberry Recipe is sure to please. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old beef stew recipe? Look no further than this Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry Recipe. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold night and impress your loved ones with rich, bold flavors.
What sets this recipe apart is the addition of cranberry sauce, which adds a touch of sweetness and tang to complement the savory beef. The red wine enhances the richness of the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of beef, from tenderloin to short ribs, to make this hearty stew. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for different cooking methods, whether you choose to make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a filling meal that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. And if you have any leftovers, they can easily be reheated for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Overall, this Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry Recipe is a showstopper that won’t disappoint. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for something comforting to warm you up on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and festive beef in red wine with cranberry recipe:
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Stewing beef (4 cups)
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Red wine (1 cup plus 300 ml)
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Cranberry sauce (½ cup plus 1 ¼ cup)
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Plain flour (1/4 cup)
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Salt and pepper
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Butter (3 tablespoons)
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Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
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Beef stock or broth (2 to 3 cups, depending on consistency desired)
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Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
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Garlic cloves (2, minced)
These ingredients will give the dish a rich flavor and unique texture. Don’t substitute beef tenderloin or short ribs for the stewing beef, as it is the perfect cut of meat for slow-cooking and absorbing the flavors of the red wine and cranberry sauce. The butter and olive oil searing will give a delicious crust on your beef before it is placed in the slow cooker to simmer slowly in the red wine cranberry broth. Be sure not to forget any ingredient, as each one is essential to create this hearty beef stew that will leave your taste buds craving more.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry recipe. Follow these easy steps for a hearty and delicious meal.
Step 1: Prepare the beef
First, cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Coat them in plain flour and shake off the excess.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over a medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides. Make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Make the wine sauce
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add an additional tablespoon of butter and sauté 2 garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 1 cup of red wine, 1 cup of beef broth, ½ cup of cranberry sauce, and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Combine everything together
Now it’s time to combine all ingredients together. Mix in with the sauce bay leaves, 1/4 cup brown sugar, salt, pepper, cranberries (optional). Return the beef to the pot along with any juices that may have accumulated while resting. Add more broth as needed to ensure that everything is covered in liquid.
Step 5: Cook on low heat
Cover your British dishes* with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven or slow cooker on low heat for about four hours or until tender. Make sure to check occasionally to see if more liquid is needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After four hours of cooking remove from oven or slow cooker. Plate hot Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry recipe with potatoes or rice on the side. Enjoy its hearty taste and rich flavour.
There you have it, a foolproof recipe for delicious Beef in Red Wine with Cranberry. Stick to these steps and impress your loved ones with another fantastic meal.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to modify this beef in red wine with cranberry recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can make:
– Meat: If you don’t have stewing beef, you can use other cuts of beef like beef tenderloin, short ribs, or pot roast. You can also substitute the beef with lamb or pork for a different flavor.
– Wine: This recipe calls for 300 ml of red wine, but you can use any type of dry red wine that you like. Hearty red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Noir will work well in this recipe. Port wine is also a great option for more depth and richness.
– Cranberry sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, or make your own by boiling fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they pop. If you prefer a less tart sauce, add more sugar or honey.
– Broth: Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you want a lighter dish. If you don’t have broth on hand, you can use water and add bouillon cubes or powder for flavor.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the recipe such as potatoes, carrots or pearl onions. You can also serve the beef over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice.
– Spices: Add your favorite spices to the stew to give it an extra depth of flavor. Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic cloves or allspice are great choices.
Whatever modifications you make to this recipe, be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Experimentation is one of the joys of cooking!
Serving and Pairing
This beef in red wine with cranberry recipe is perfect for a festive dinner or any special occasion. The rich and hearty flavors of this dish pair perfectly with some classic sides, such as roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or buttered carrots. You can even serve it over a bed of creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
When it comes to pairing this dish with wine, I recommend opting for a full-bodied red wine that can handle the bold flavors of the beef and cranberry sauce. These wines can include a hearty red blend or a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
For those who prefer a sweeter option, you can also pair this dish with a fruity and slightly sweet red wine, like a Zinfandel or Merlot. This would be especially great for those who enjoy the cranberry flavor in the dish.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic pairing option, you could consider serving this dish with some freshly brewed cranberry tea or iced tea with a slice of lemon.
Overall, this beef in red wine with cranberry recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different sides and wines. Feel free to get creative with your pairings and choose what works best for your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Beef in Red Wine With Cranberry Recipe is a great choice for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before reheating. When you are ready to serve, gently reheat the stew on low heat until it’s hot and bubbly.
This dish is also suitable for freezing, allowing you to make a large batch and have a hearty meal on hand whenever you need it. Allow the stew to cool completely before carefully transferring it to freezer-safe containers or plastic bags. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating your Beef in Red Wine With Cranberry Recipe from frozen is just as straightforward. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then heat on low on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Alternatively, place it in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, and reheat at half power for 5-10 minutes or until hot all the way through.
Whether you’re making this recipe ahead of time or serving it fresh off the stove, this hearty dish always delivers rich, warm flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking beef in red wine with cranberry sauce is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for colder months. To ensure the best results when making this recipe, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. The quality of the beef matters – choose the right cut
For the best results, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef. Look for stewing beef, short ribs, or even beef tenderloin if you want something extra special. These cuts of meat are ideal for braising and will become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
2. Brown the meat first
In order to achieve deep and complex flavors, it’s important to brown the meat before adding it to the pot with the red wine and cranberry sauce. This step helps create a savory crust on the meat that will add depth of flavor to the final dish.
3. Don’t forget to season well
Be sure to generously season your beef with salt and pepper before browning. This will help enhance the natural flavor of the beef and will create a flavor base for your entire dish.
4. Use a quality red wine
Since this recipe features red wine as a main ingredient, it’s important to choose a good-quality bottle that you would enjoy drinking on its own. A hearty red wine like merlot or cabernet sauvignon works well with this dish.
5. Simmer low and slow
This recipe requires patiently simmering all ingredients together low and slow over several hours. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully while making the meat incredibly tender.
By following these tips, you should be able to create an amazing beef in red wine with cranberry sauce dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests!
FAQ
Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions that may arise when preparing this delicious beef in red wine with cranberry recipe. These questions will help guide you through the cooking process and ensure that you end up with a scrumptious dish that everyone will love.
What meat goes well with cranberry sauce?
Pairing cranberry sauce with meat can enhance the flavor of the dish. While it’s traditionally served with turkey, it also complements the taste of chicken, pork, and beef. A delicious way to infuse cranberry sauce in your meal is by baking chicken breasts or pork chops and brushing them with cranberry sauce while they’re almost ready. The sauce will coat the meat and create a delectable coating — longer brushing will produce a more caramelized crust, intensifying the flavors.
What flavor does red wine add to beef?
Red wines can offer a harmonious blend of flavors, including fruity undertones of currants, plum, and cherry, alongside spices like ginger, clove, and nutmeg. The depth and richness of these wines make them an excellent pairing for a succulent steak. The grapes commonly used to make these wines include Syrah, Grenache, Petite Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel.
Why add red wine to beef stew?
One of the tricks to tenderizing tough cuts of beef like chuck is to use wine. The acid present in the wine helps break down the meat, making it easier to chew. Additionally, when you cook beef stew with red wine, it will add richness and intensity to the dish. As the stew simmers and reduces, the flavors intensify and the aromas become more complex.
What kind of red wine do you use for beef stew?
When it comes to pairing wine with a rich and robust stew, it’s best to steer away from delicate options like Pinot Noir. Instead, opt for a full-bodied red wine like cabernet, merlot, zinfandel, shiraz, or malbec which hold up well and can complement the hearty flavors of the dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the beef in red wine with cranberry recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty and flavorful stews. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday dinner, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests.
In this recipe, the combination of braised beef with red wine and cranberry sauce creates a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory. The addition of herbs like bay leaves and garlic gives it an earthy aroma that is enhanced by the richness of butter and olive oil.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use different cuts of beef like stewing beef, beef tenderloin, short ribs, or filet mignon depending on your preference. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste buds.
Lastly, when it comes to serving and pairing this dish, you have a wide range of options. From mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to pasta or rice, there are countless side dishes that would complement this stew. For wine pairing, hearty red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir would be perfect.
Overall, the beef in red wine with cranberry recipe is a classic dish that should be added to your repertoire. It’s easy to make but impresses with its complex flavors and textures. So fire up your oven or slow cooker and try this delicious recipe for yourself!
Beef in Red Wine With Cranberry Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g stewing beef
- 300 ml red wine
- 300 ml vegetable stock
- 3 -5 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 -3 tablespoons butter (and) or 2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt and pepper on a plate.
- Cut the beef into (roughly) 8cm square pieces.
- Coat the beef in the flour.
- Heat oil/butter in a saucepan.
- Brown the beef in the saucepan - make sure all the flour is cooked.
- Add the wine and stock to the pan, bring to the boil, scraping the pan around to get the tasty bits into the sauce.
- Turn the heat down, add a tightly fitting lid.
- Stir every 15 minutes or so (NB during the last half-hour the beef may start sticking - stir every 5-10 mins if so).
- Add some cranberry sauce every half hour. Five minutes before the beef is ready add the remainder (about 2 tablespoons) and stir. Add extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.