Tender Beef Chunks Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

Tender beef chunks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce make a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, hosting guests, or satisfying a hearty craving. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is one you’ll come back to often. The key to melt-in-your-mouth beef is choosing the right cut, slow-cooking it, and seasoning well. The result is juicy, soft, deeply flavored meat that even beginners can prepare like a pro.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into one-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine, optional but recommended for depth of flavor
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon flour, optional for thickening
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Cooking Instructions for Tender Beef Chunks

Preparing the Beef

Pat the beef chunks dry to help them brown. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef in small batches for three to four minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cooking the Aromatics

Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot for 5 minutes until soft, using the browned beef bits for flavor. Add carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Building the Sauce

Return the beef to the pot, add tomato paste, and cook briefly. Pour in beef broth and red wine, add seasonings and herbs, and stir to combine.

Simmering for Tenderness

Simmer covered for 2–3 hours after bringing it to a boil, stirring now and then until the beef is tender. If the sauce is thin, add a tablespoon of flour mixed with water in the last 20 minutes to thicken it.

Finishing Touches

Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This beef chunks recipe is versatile and easy to customize. For richer flavor, sear the beef in butter with olive oil. Add potatoes or parsnips for a complete one-pot meal. You can use a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables first, then cooking on low for six to eight hours. Swap red wine for extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version, or experiment with herbs like oregano, basil, or smoked paprika for a different flavor.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this tender beef chunks recipe has approximately 450 calories, 38 grams of protein, 22 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 700 milligrams of sodium. It is a protein-rich, filling meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Pair it with vegetables or a small portion of whole grains for a balanced plate.

Serving Suggestions

Tender beef chunks are versatile and go well with many sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, steamed or flavored rice, crusty bread, roasted or sautéed vegetables, or simple buttered noodles. For a cozy family meal, serve the beef in a large bowl, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let everyone help themselves. The mix of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions