Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary

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

Tender beef shoulder slowly braised in a fragrant garlic and rosemary broth until meltingly soft. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs pounds beef shoulder, tablespoons olive oil, smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 pounds beef shoulder, searing on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions soften and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return beef shoulder to the pot. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
  4. Step 4: Braise beef for 3 hours, or until fork-tender and falling apart. Remove beef and strain the braising liquid for a sauce if desired. Serve beef with the softened vegetables and some braising liquid spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary 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 Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

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 pounds beef shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

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 Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Slow-Braised Beef Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary?

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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