Sweet and Sour Beef Bake
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the succulent tenderness of this Sweet and Sour Beef Bake, where an inexpensive chuck roast transforms into a delectable masterpiece through a slow-temperature oven method. Perfect for a leisurely weekend supper, this dish pairs exquisitely with oven-roasted potatoes and a refreshing side salad, making it a perennial favorite in my household, guaranteed to tantalize taste buds with every forkful.
Recipe Category: Roast Beef
Keywords: Meat, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | Boneless beef chuck roast |
| – | Butter |
| 2 | Onions |
| 2 | Fresh garlic |
| 2 1/2 | Sugar |
| 2 – 3 | Red wine vinegar |
| 1/4 | Prunes |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 | Pepper |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 780.6
- Fat Content: 52.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 21g
- Cholesterol Content: 166.7mg
- Sodium Content: 163.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 33.2g
- Fiber Content: 3g
- Sugar Content: 22g
- Protein Content: 43g
Recipe Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) to gently coax out the flavors and tenderize the beef to perfection.
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Prepare the Roast: Begin by generously rubbing the chuck roast with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch is seasoned for maximum flavor.
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Sear the Roast: In a large casserole or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned roast, allowing it to sizzle and brown on all sides, creating a flavorful crust. Once beautifully caramelized, remove the roast from the casserole and set it aside momentarily.
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Infuse with Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, melt a knob of butter until it sizzles with fragrant anticipation. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, if desired, stirring gently until they soften and release their sweet aroma, approximately 10 minutes.
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Assemble and Bake: Nestle the seared chuck roast atop the bed of softened onions and garlic in the casserole dish, ensuring it’s snug and cozy. In a small bowl, combine the sugar with the tangy red wine vinegar, creating a luscious sweet and sour glaze. Drizzle this heavenly mixture over the waiting roast, coating it in a tantalizing cloak of flavor. Cover the casserole dish and place it lovingly in the preheated oven, allowing the beef to slowly bathe in its juices for 2 hours. Remember to baste occasionally with the aromatic pan juices to ensure each bite is infused with flavor.
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Final Touch: After the initial 2 hours of gentle cooking, it’s time to add a touch of fruity sweetness to the proceedings. Stir in the plump prunes, allowing their natural sweetness to mingle with the savory depths of the beef. Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the beef reaches the pinnacle of tenderness, yielding effortlessly to the gentle pressure of a fork.
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Serve and Enjoy: With the beef now tender and infused with layers of flavor, it’s time to gather around the table and indulge in the fruits of your labor. Slice the beef into generous portions, ensuring each plate is adorned with a medley of caramelized onions, plump prunes, and savory pan juices. Pair this mouthwatering masterpiece with oven-roasted potatoes for a comforting touch of starch and a crisp side salad to refresh the palate. Sit back, savor each bite, and bask in the satisfaction of a meal well enjoyed.
