Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender braised beef simmered with carrots, parsnips, and aromatic herbs, evoking the cozy warmth of snowy mountain lodges. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms. Transfer beef to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 3 cups beef broth, 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 2 peeled and chopped parsnips, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves.
  6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alpine-Inspired Braised Beef with Winter Root Vegetables?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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