Slow Cooked Beef with Rustic Herbs and Onions - A Tasty Bengali Dish

There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that has been slow-cooked to perfection. Slow-Cooked Beef with Rustic Herbs and Onions is one such dish—a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

As the beef gently simmers over low heat, it absorbs the flavors of the rustic herbs and onions, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep and satisfying taste that you can’t achieve with quicker cooking methods.

How To Make Slow Cooked Beef with Rustic Herbs and Onions

Ingredients You’ll Need 

To create this hearty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast (or other slow-cooking cut)
• 2 large onions (sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper on all sides. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks. If you have time, let the seasoned beef sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook them over medium heat until they start to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant. The onions should be soft and golden brown.

4. Add the Liquids and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are full of flavor and will add depth to the dish. Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Stir to combine.

5. Slow Cook the Beef

Return the browned beef to the pot, nestling it into the onion and herb mixture. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the beef cook slowly for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. You can also transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and slice or shred it as desired. Serve the beef with the rich onion and herb sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.