Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and tender beef slowly braised with earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme in a savory broth. This french-inspired low carb ready in about 205 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss 3 lbs beef chuck cubes in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook an additional 4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start to brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all browned bits, and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half. Return the browned beef to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth along with 4 sprigs fresh thyme.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (25 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 Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

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 Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

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 Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme 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 Low-Heat Braised Beef with Mushrooms and Thyme?

French low carb 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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