Ingredients:
- 3 to 3.5 lb Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, net-tied
- 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (High Heat)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 large Yellow Onion, roughly chopped
- 3 medium Carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Purée (Paste)
- 5 cups Dry Red Wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3 cups Low Sodium Beef Stock
- 2 Dried Bay Leaves
- 4-5 Fresh Thyme Sprigs
Instructions:
- Prep the Beef: Pat the chuck roast thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the roast in the 2 Tbsp of flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Meat: Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the beef in the pot. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove the beef and set aside on a wire rack.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté, scraping up any browned bits (the fond), for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Build the Base and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic and tomato purée and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the red wine. Bring the liquid to a rapid simmer, scraping the bottom vigorously, and reduce the wine by half (about 5 minutes).
- Combine and Braise Prep: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. The liquid should cover about two-thirds of the roast. Bring the liquid back up to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- Braise: Cover the Dutch oven tightly and transfer it to a preheated oven set to 325°F (160°C). Braise for 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, or until the Chuck Roast is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
- Rest the Meat: Carefully remove the roast from the pot and place it on a carving board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the bay leaves and thyme. Pour the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate saucepan, pressing the vegetables to extract all the liquid (discard the solids).
- Reduce the Gravy: Bring the strained liquid to a boil over high heat. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface. Reduce the liquid until it reaches your desired consistency (5-10 minutes) and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Shred the rested beef or slice it thickly against the grain. Pour the hot, rich gravy over the meat before serving.