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Braised Beef Low Carb – Comforting, Slow-Cooked Flavor Without the Starch

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck roast (3–4 pounds), cut into large chunks (or use whole and shred later)
  • Avocado or olive oil (2–3 tablespoons)
  • Onion (1 large), sliced
  • Celery (2 ribs), chopped
  • Garlic (4–6 cloves), minced
  • Mushrooms (8 ounces), sliced
  • Turnips or rutabaga (2 medium), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Beef broth (3 cups), low sodium if possible
  • Dry red wine (1 cup), optional but recommended
  • Bay leaves (2)
  • Fresh thyme (4–5 sprigs) or 1 teaspoon dried
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Butter (1–2 tablespoons), optional for finishing
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Prep the beef: Pat the roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Cutting it into 3–4 large chunks helps it braise evenly and faster.
  • Heat and sear: In a heavy Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Work in batches so you don’t crowd the pot. Remove beef and set aside.
  • Build the base: Lower heat to medium. Add onion and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start browning.
  • Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly. Add smoked paprika and stir.
  • Deglaze: Pour in red wine (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce by about half, scraping up any stuck bits. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  • Return beef and add veg: Nestle the beef back into the pot. Add turnip or rutabaga chunks around it. Liquids should come about two-thirds up the beef; add more broth if needed.
  • Braise: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat on the stovetop for 2.5–3 hours, or transfer to a 300°F (150°C) oven for the same time. The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and nearly falling apart.
  • Reduce the sauce: Remove beef and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat if desired. Simmer the sauce uncovered 10–15 minutes to reduce. For extra richness, whisk in 1 tablespoon of butter at the end.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Return beef to the pot or serve with sauce spooned over the top.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with cauliflower mash, sautéed greens, or zucchini ribbons for a low-carb plate.