Braised Beef with Onion Gravy

 Ingredients

For the beef:

• 1.2–1.5 kg beef chuck (or brisket), cut into large chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium if possible)
• 1 cup water or additional broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)

For the onion gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour (or cornstarch slurry for gluten-free)
• 1 cup beef cooking liquid (from the pot)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions

1. Sear the beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until deeply browned on all sides.

This step builds the flavor base, don’t rush it.

2. Build the base

Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add sliced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and golden.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly (about 2 minutes).

3. Deglaze & braise

Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the browned bits.

Add:

• beef back in
• thyme
• bay leaves
• Worcestershire sauce

Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Slow cook

Cover and cook:

•  Oven: 160–170°C for 2.5 to 3 hours
  OR
•  Stovetop: very low heat for 2.5–3 hours

The beef should become fork-tender and almost falling apart.

5. Make the onion gravy

In a separate pan:

Melt butter, add sliced onions, and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes until deeply caramelized.

Sprinkle flour and stir for 1–2 minutes.

Slowly add about 1 cup of the braising liquid, whisking until smooth and thick.

Simmer until it becomes a rich, glossy gravy.

6. Combine & serve

Return beef to the pan or serve it topped with onion gravy.

Serving Ideas

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered rice
• Egg noodles
• Crusty bread for soaking up the gravy

 Flavor Notes

This dish is:

• deeply savory
• slightly sweet from caramelized onions
• rich and silky in texture
• perfect for cold days or family dinners