Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful braise featuring tender beef shoulder slowly cooked with aromatic root vegetables and red wine, perfect for a comforting dinner. This french-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, olive oil, large (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef shoulder cubes in batches, searing each for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned on all sides; transfer browned beef to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 cup diced yellow onion, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped celery to the pot; sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges begin to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release browned bits; simmer for 3 minutes until wine reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Return browned beef to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and braise the beef for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until meat is fork-tender and vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving this rich braised beef with its deeply savory sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and 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 Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and 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 Braised Beef Shoulder with Red Wine and 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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