Brasato al Barolo (Beef Braised in Red Wine with Vegetables)
Why this recipe works
- Slow braising builds tenderness: A long, gentle simmer gives the chuck roast time to soften while staying sliceable.
- A deep wine-based sauce: Browning the beef, softening the vegetables and reducing the wine create a savoury, glossy sauce with real depth.
- Excellent made ahead: The beef can be cooled in its sauce, then reheated gently, making it practical for relaxed entertaining or meal prep.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Piedmontese roots: Brasato al Barolo is associated with Piedmont, where structured Nebbiolo-based wines are often used for slow-cooked beef.
- Classic serving: Serve with polenta, potato purée or buttered noodles to balance the richness and absorb the sauce.
Timing notes
- Mostly hands-off cooking: The active work is mainly browning the beef and building the base; the tenderness comes from the slow simmer.
- Rest before slicing: Letting the beef rest helps it slice more cleanly and hold its juices.
Ingredient notes
- Choose a robust red wine: Use a dry red wine with enough body to stand up to the beef; it should be good enough to drink, but not necessarily expensive.
- Best cuts for braising: Chuck roast gives a tender, rich result after slow cooking, while brisket makes a slightly firmer but still flavourful alternative.
Common mistakes
- Avoid a hard boil: Keep the liquid at a very gentle simmer so the beef relaxes rather than tightens and the sauce stays rounded.
- Do not rush the sauce: After the beef is tender, reduce the braising liquid until it looks glossy and coats a spoon rather than serving it thin.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry, then season all over with the fine sea salt and black pepper. Cut the carrot, celery and onion into small dice, and lightly crush the garlic.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef well on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes total, then transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the carrot, celery and onion to the pot. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden; add the garlic for the last 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Pour in the Dry Red Wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce a little.
- Return the beef to the pot and add the beef stock and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid slightly ajar and cook very gently for 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, turning the beef once or twice, until very tender.
- Transfer the beef to a board and rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid, then simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is dark and glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Slice the beef thickly and return it to the pot to warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with the Barolo sauce spooned over the top.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the braise at the gentlest simmer you can manage; if it boils hard, the beef can tighten and the sauce can turn bitter.
- For the cleanest slices, let the beef rest properly, then slice across the grain with a sharp knife.
- If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the braise simmers steadily for the full cooking time so the wine is thoroughly cooked.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry Red Wine with a robust dry red wine you would happily drink, such as nebbiolo or barolo-style wine.
- Replace Beef chuck roast with beef brisket for a slightly firmer slice and a similarly rich braise.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate the beef in its sauce in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of beef stock if the sauce has thickened too much; freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 4h (35min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
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