Braised Beef Cheeks: A Traditional Italian Recipe for Comfort

Indulge in this comforting Braised Beef Cheeks recipe, a classic of Italian cuisine perfect for any special occasion.

Introduction

Braised Beef Cheeks (Guancia di manzo brasata) is one of the most sumptuous and satisfying meat dishes in traditional Italian cuisine, ideal for festive gatherings such as Christmas. With slow cooking, this beef transforms into a tender, juicy braise that captivates everyone with its intense flavor and velvety sauce.

We serve it here with a soft mashed potato, a classic that enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the stewed beef cheeks, but it pairs equally well with steaming polenta, which is perfect for soaking up the fragrant cooking juices.

While preparing it takes time, the end result is an unforgettable braised beef that literally melts in your mouth, bringing all the warmth of a home-cooked meal to the table.

Explore other slow-cooked meat dishes:

• Beef Cheeks with Artichokes (Guancia di manzo con carciofi)
• Slow-Cooked Beef (Stracotto di manzo)
• Beef Braised in Wine (Brasato al Buttafuoco)
• Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes (Biancostato brasato con purè)
• Braised Pork Cheeks with Borettane Onions (Guancia di maiale brasata e cipolline borettane)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef cheeks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for flavor

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season the beef cheeks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides.
3. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft.
4. Pour in the red wine and let it reduce for a few minutes.
5. Add the beef broth and bay leaf, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the rich sauce.

Total Time

Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Cuisine

Italian