This Beef with Gravy recipe is a classic comfort dish that combines tender beef with a rich and flavorful gravy. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for any family dinner or special occasion. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can create a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about deep, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef. The key to achieving such tenderness is slow-cooking the beef with onions and a flavorful broth. The gravy is enhanced with butter and a touch of lemon juice, adding a rich and tangy finish that perfectly complements the beef.
Ingredients
- Beef (Round Beef, from the Back Thigh): 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), boneless
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Onion: 450 g (1 lb), finely chopped
- Oil: 5 to 6 tablespoons, for frying
- Beef Broth: 800 ml (3 1/3 cups)
- Corn Starch: 20 g (2 tablespoons)
- Water: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
- Lemon Juice: 2 to 3 teaspoons
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Meat Preparation
- Cut the beef into three equal parts. This helps the beef cook evenly and makes it easier to handle in the pan.
- Pat the beef dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial for a good sear, which adds flavor to the dish.
- Season the meat with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure it’s well coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
- Finely chop the onion (450 g). Set aside for when the meat is ready to stew.
Step 3: Roasting the Meat
- Heat 5 to 6 tablespoons of frying oil in a deep frying pan or pot over high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the meat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the beef to the pan. Sear the meat on all sides for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until it develops a golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Steaming the Beef
- Add the chopped onions to the pan with the seared beef. Let the onions cook with the beef, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add 200 ml of beef broth to the pan. This will start the braising process.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 1 hour and 50 minutes. Turn the meat occasionally and stir the onions to ensure even cooking.
- Add more beef broth as needed, up to a total of 800 ml. This will keep the beef moist and ensure a rich gravy.
Step 5: Preparing the Gravy
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pan and strain the sauce through a fine sieve. You should have approximately 550 ml of strained sauce.
- Return the strained sauce to the same pot and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
- In a small bowl, mix 20 g of cornstarch with 250 ml of water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
- Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add 30 g of butter and 2 to 3 teaspoons of lemon juice to the sauce. Stir well and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The butter adds richness while the lemon juice adds a touch of brightness to the gravy.
Step 6: Serving
- Slice the beef into even pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Pour the gravy over the beef slices and serve immediately.
- Enjoy with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Beef with Gravy
- Add More Flavor: For an even richer gravy, consider adding a splash of red wine or tomato puree during the cooking process.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili or cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Choose the Right Sides: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy perfectly.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the beef and gravy over fluffy rice or tender pasta for a complete meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus add a fresh contrast to the rich beef and gravy.
This Beef with Gravy recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings a touch of warmth and homestyle comfort to the table. Enjoy this delicious beef recipe, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!
