Delicious Braise Meat in Tomato Sauce Recipe

The smell of slow-cooked meat in tomato sauce is amazing. It’s a mix of tender beef and rich sauce that delights everyone. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her Sunday Sauce filled the air.

This recipe is a labor of love. It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, but only 30 minutes of prep. The slow braising makes the meat tender and flavorful.

This dish is perfect for any gathering. Its rich flavors will impress everyone. Let’s learn how to make this amazing dish.

What Makes This Braised Meat Recipe Special

This slow cooked meat tomato sauce recipe comes from Italian-American Sunday Sauce tradition. It’s a dish loved for bringing families together on special days. The secret to its rich flavor is the slow cooking, which makes the meat tender and full of taste.

Traditional Italian Sunday Sauce Heritage

This braised meat dish has been passed down for generations in Italian-American culture. It involves simmering meats like beef, short ribs, pork, or lamb in a tomato sauce. This slow cooking makes even the toughest cuts tender and delicious.

Perfect for Family Gatherings and Special Occasions

This braised meat recipe is great for any gathering, whether it’s a holiday or a casual dinner. Its rich flavors and tender texture are sure to please everyone. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce.

Rich Flavor Development Through Slow Cooking

The slow cooking is what makes this recipe stand out. Seared meat adds a deep flavor. As it cooks for 2-3 hours, the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens, making the dish indulgent.

“The slow braising process is what truly sets this recipe apart, transforming tough cuts of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delight.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Braising

Creating a delicious braising meat recipe starts with the right ingredients. For a true Mediterranean-style dish, use a boneless chuck roast. This cut’s fat keeps the meat tender and juicy as it cooks.

Smoky bacon adds a savory flavor to the dish. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes and dry red wine make up the sauce. Herbs like oregano, basil, and bay leaves give it a Mediterranean taste.

To balance the acidity, a Parmesan rind and baking soda are key. Onions, carrots, and celery add flavor. A bit of balsamic vinegar brings a sweet touch to the braising meat recipe.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a mediterranean braised meat dish. It’s perfect for family meals or special events.

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat for Braising

Choosing the right meat is key for a tasty braised beef, pork, or lamb dish. Braising turns tough cuts into tender, flavorful pieces. It’s a slow-cooking method that makes meat melt in your mouth.

Best Beef Cuts for Braising

For braising beef, pick cuts with lots of marbling and connective tissue. Chuck roast, brisket, and short ribs are great choices. They become tender and full of flavor when cooked slowly.

Alternative Meat Options

Beef isn’t the only option for braising. Try braised pork tomato sauce or braised lamb tomato sauce for something different. Pork shoulder or belly and lamb shoulder or shanks work well too, adding their own flavors and textures.

Quality Indicators to Look For

Look for meat that’s well-marbled, with a bright color and firm texture. Avoid dry, discolored, or lean meat for better flavor and tenderness. Leaner cuts like round steak or flank steak are healthier but might need less braising time to stay tender.

By picking the right meat and following braising tips, you’ll make a braised beef tomato sauce, braised pork tomato sauce, or braised lamb tomato sauce that will impress everyone at your next gathering.

The Perfect Tomato Sauce Base

Creating a delicious Mediterranean braised meat dish starts with a great tomato sauce. This sauce is more than just a side; it’s the heart of the dish. It brings out the meat’s rich, tasty flavors. To make the best tomato braising sauce, use high-quality crushed tomatoes or sauce, preferably fire-roasted.

The sauce’s base is made with sautéed garlic and onions. These add a wonderful aroma. Thyme and rosemary herbs add more depth, and a bit of red wine can enhance the flavor. Adding tomato paste can make the sauce even more intense.

Getting the right balance in the tomato sauce is key. The tomatoes’ natural sweetness should be highlighted, making the sauce neither too sour nor too sweet. Adjusting the seasonings and simmering the sauce until it’s perfect will give you a great base for your Mediterranean braised meat dish.

“The secret to a truly remarkable tomato sauce lies in the balance of its flavors, where the acidity and sweetness work in perfect harmony to create a sauce that elevates the entire dish.”

Braise Meat in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Discover the rich flavors of braised meat in a delicious tomato sauce. This recipe brings the taste of traditional Italian Sunday supper to your table. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. With a few simple steps and patience, you’ll impress everyone.

Preparation Steps

1. Season the meat (2.5-3 lbs of beef chuck roast) generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the meat in a hot pan to achieve a beautiful, caramelized crust.
3. Sauté diced bacon in the same pan to render the fat and infuse the dish with smoky flavor.
4. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until softened.

Cooking Instructions

After the prep work, it’s time to combine all the flavors. Here’s how to make the perfect braised meat in tomato sauce:

1. Combine the seared meat, sautéed vegetables, 2 cups of red wine (such as Chianti), crushed tomatoes, and a bundle of fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme) in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to a 325°F oven. Braise the meat for 2-3 hours, until it’s fork-tender.
3. Remove the meat from the pot and shred or slice it. Add it back to the sauce, which should have thickened beautifully.
4. For an extra-velvety texture, whisk in a tablespoon of Beurre Manié (a paste of equal parts butter and flour) to the sauce.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, subtle finish.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the meat – work in batches to ensure a proper crust.
• Deglaze the pan with the red wine to capture all the flavorful browned bits.
• Maintain a low, consistent temperature during the braising process to ensure the meat becomes tender and the sauce develops rich, complex flavors.
• This recipe can be adapted for stovetop, oven, or slow cooker methods, depending on your preference and schedule.

With this braise meat in tomato sauce recipe, you’ll enjoy the comforting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture of expertly braised meat. Serve it over pasta, with a side of crusty bread, and a glass of Chianti for an unforgettable Italian-inspired feast.

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Braising

Mastering meat braising techniques starts with the right kitchen tools. You need a few key items to make a perfect braised dish.

A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is key. It ensures even heat, which is vital for tenderizing tougher meat. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture and aromas in.

• A high-quality chef’s knife is a must-have for dicing vegetables and trimming the meat to the desired size and shape.
• A wooden spoon or silicone spatula will help you gently stir the ingredients, preventing any delicate pieces from breaking apart.
• Tongs are invaluable for handling the meat during the browning and searing stages, as well as for transferring the cooked chunks to a serving dish.
• A meat thermometer is an essential tool to ensure your braised meat is cooked to the perfect internal temperature, resulting in maximum tenderness and juiciness.

For added convenience, consider investing in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. They’re great alternatives to traditional stovetop or oven braising. These appliances let you set it and forget it, while still delivering rich, flavorful results.

With these essential tools, you’ll be well on your way to mastering meat braising techniques. You’ll create mouthwatering, tender braised dishes that will impress everyone.

Cooking Techniques and Temperature Control

Mastering braising meat is about knowing the right techniques and keeping the perfect temperature. Searing the meat is key to getting a rich, flavorful crust. This crust is the base for the dish’s flavor.

When searing, cook in batches over medium-high heat until the meat turns deep brown. This step brings out complex flavors that fill the dish.

After searing, the magic happens in the slow braising stage. Keep the temperature around 300°F (149°C) in the oven or on the stovetop. This heat makes the meat tender and juicy, soaking up all the sauce’s flavors. Don’t let the liquid boil, as it can make the meat tough.

Searing Methods

1. Pat the meat dry with paper towels for a better sear.
2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot.
3. Add a small amount of high-smoke-point oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, and wait for it to shimmer.
4. Carefully add the meat, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on each side until a deep, caramelized crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and proceed with the braising process.

Optimal Braising Temperature

For the most tender results, keep the braising temperature between 300°F (149°C) and 325°F (163°C). This low, slow cooking breaks down the meat and infuses it with sauce flavors. Avoid boiling the liquid, as it can make the meat tough.

“The secret to braising meat is all in the temperature control. Maintaining that low, steady heat is the key to unlocking the most tender, flavorful results.”

Wine Pairing and Sauce Enhancement

Creating a delicious braised beef tomato sauce or a hearty mediterranean braised meat dish? The right wine pairing can take the flavors to the next level. Dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti are perfect for these rich, slow-cooked meals.

Wine not only matches the beef’s bold flavors but also makes the meat tender. As the meat cooks slowly in the sauce, the wine adds its own rich taste. This adds complexity and a touch of acidity that balances the dish’s richness.

If you prefer not to use wine, beef broth or balsamic vinegar can work well. Choose a quality wine or liquid that you enjoy drinking. It will greatly affect the dish’s taste.

Using the right wine or liquid in your braising process can enhance the flavors. It makes for a memorable dining experience.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Braised meat dishes, like this tasty tomato-based recipe, go well with many sides. Serve it over wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle for a traditional Italian look. Creamy polenta is also great, letting the sauce soak into the meat.

For a modern twist, try it with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes. The mix of tender meat and caramelized veggies looks and tastes amazing. Don’t forget crusty bread for the sauce.

Traditional Accompaniments

• Wide pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle)
• Creamy polenta

Modern Pairing Ideas

1. Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes)
2. Crusty bread for dipping

A crisp salad with bitter greens like arugula or endive adds a refreshing touch. Top it with fresh basil or parsley for extra color and taste.

This braised meat recipe will wow your guests, whether served family-style or individually. Its flexibility makes it perfect for any event, from a casual dinner to a fancy party.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

The slow-cooked meat in tomato sauce is easy to store and reheat. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.

To thaw the frozen sauce, leave it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water. The flavors get even better after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Reheating the slow-cooked meat in tomato sauce is simple. It lets you enjoy the rich, comforting flavors whenever you want. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy this dish many times.