Braised Beef with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce
Slow-braised beef in a rich sauce of mixed red, yellow, and green bell peppers with warm spices, simmered until tender and deeply flavorful. This american-inspired beef ready in about 215 minutes blends beef chuck roast, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces green bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Pat dry 2 lbs beef chuck roast and season all sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and diced 1 medium red, 1 medium yellow, and 1 medium green bell pepper (all cut into 1/2-inch pieces). Sauté for 5 minutes until peppers soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1/2 cup red wine, scraping the browned bits off the bottom.
- Step 5: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme and return the beef to the pot. Cover with a lid and place in the preheated oven to braise gently for 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens with a slow let-down effect.
- Step 6: Remove the beef, slice against the grain, and spoon the vibrant pepper sauce over before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Beef with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Braised Beef with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Beef with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce?
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 with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce 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 with Mixed Bell Pepper Sauce?
American 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.
