Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks That Melt in Your Mouth

These slow-cooked beef cheeks are braised in a beautiful red wine sauce until they are so meltingly tender, you can eat them with a spoon! The braising liquid in this Beef Cheeks recipe is infused with incredible flavor and, when pureed, transforms into a thick, luscious gravy-like sauce.

Perfectly accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, this is a very easy dish suited for an elegant dinner party or a hearty midweek meal. Make this in your slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stove!

Why Beef Cheeks? A Gourmet Cut Without the Price Tag

This is a magnificent dish that takes a budget cut of beef and transforms it with little effort into a dish you’d find on the menu of fine dining restaurants—except it’s 80% cheaper! 🙂This past weekend, I dined at a high-end bistro where beef cheeks were offered for $35 per serving.

Did you know? Beef cheeks are the top choice for slow-cooked beef dishes!

What Are Beef Cheeks?

Beef cheeks are the cheek muscles of cows, known for being a very tough cut of meat that requires long, slow cooking to become tender. They absorb the flavors of the braising liquid exceptionally well, and when cut, the meat is stringy, almost like pulled pork.

Unlike beef chuck (commonly used for stews and pot roasts), brisket, and beef short ribs, which can have dry patches, beef cheeks are entirely tender and moist. Every mouthful is juicy and luscious, making them a standout choice for any slow-cooked dish.

What You Need for This Beef Cheeks Recipe

We’re making a fine dining-quality dish here, but it just calls for a trip to your local grocery store! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• Beef Cheeks: 1.5 kg (3 lbs)
  • If you can’t find beef cheeks, other slow-cooking beef cuts like beef short ribs are an ideal substitute. Slice the beef cheeks into chunks weighing 250g (8oz) each so that the specified cooking durations and liquid quantities can be accurately followed.
• Red Wine for Cooking: 750ml (1 bottle) of a full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Tip: Contrary to some recipes, you don’t need an expensive bottle. For slow-cooking, a moderately priced wine works perfectly.
• Aromatics:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
• Herbs and Spices:
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
  • 2 cups beef broth
• For Serving:
  • Serve with smooth mashed potatoes or opt for mashed cauliflower as a low-carb alternative.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks in Red Wine Sauce

1. Preparing: Trimming, Searing, and Seasoning

1. Trimming: Begin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the beef cheeks. This ensures a cleaner texture and prevents excessive grease in the final dish.
2. Searing: Heat a large pan over high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the beef cheeks on all sides until a rich, caramelized crust forms. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors through the Maillard reaction.
3. Seasoning: After searing, season the beef cheeks generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance their natural flavors.

Chef Maria Lopez, a renowned culinary expert, emphasizes, “Don’t skip the searing step; it’s essential for building a robust flavor foundation.”

2. Cooking: Slow Simmering for Ultimate Tenderness

Transfer the seared beef cheeks to your chosen cooking vessel—slow cooker, pressure cooker, or a heavy-bottomed pot for stove/oven cooking.

• For Slow Cooker:
  • Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
  • Pour in the red wine and beef broth.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and balsamic vinegar.
  • Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef cheeks are fall-apart tender.
• For Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot:
  • Sauté the aromatics in the pot before adding the beef cheeks.
  • Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices.
  • Seal and cook on high pressure for 1 hour, then allow natural pressure release.
• For Stove/Oven:
  • After searing, transfer the beef cheeks and aromatics to a large pot.
  • Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and herbs.
  • Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for approximately 3.5 hours until tender.

3. Creating the Rich, Flavorful Sauce: A Wine-Based Masterpiece

Once the beef cheeks are tender:

1. Remove the Beef Cheeks: Transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Puree the Sauce: Using an immersion blender, puree the braising liquid directly in the pot until smooth and gravy-like. For a thicker consistency, simmer the pureed sauce on the stove for an additional 15-20 minutes.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity (add a splash more balsamic vinegar if desired).

4. Serving: Perfect Pairings and Presentation

• Serve: Place a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower on each plate.
• Top with Beef Cheeks: Arrange the tender beef cheeks over the mash.
• Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon the luscious red wine sauce over the beef cheeks and mash.
• Garnish: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks Every Time

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Beef Cheeks

• Rushing the Cooking Process: Beef cheeks need ample time to become tender. Avoid high heat and ensure sufficient cooking time based on your chosen method.
• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing adds depth to the flavor. Ensure the beef cheeks are well-browned before slow cooking.
• Improper Seasoning: Generously season the meat and braising liquid to enhance the overall flavor.

How to Adjust Seasoning for Personal Taste Preferences

• Tasting as You Go: Regularly taste the sauce during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• Adding Acidity: A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or sage to customize the flavor profile.

Making Ahead: How to Store and Reheat Beef Cheeks Without Losing Flavor

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the beef cheeks are covered with sauce to retain moisture.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Avoid high heat to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Freezing: Beef cheeks freeze well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tip: Beef cheeks often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Beef Cheeks?

Beef cheeks are the facial muscles of cows, known for their rich marbling and intense flavor. When slow-cooked, they become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the braising liquid, making them ideal for hearty dishes.

Is Beef Cheek Expensive?

Beef cheeks are generally more affordable compared to premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. Prices can vary based on location and availability, but they offer excellent value given their rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.

What Are Beef Cheeks Called in the UK?

In the UK, beef cheeks are typically referred to as “beef cheek meat” or simply “cheek meat.” They are gaining popularity for their delicious texture and flavor in slow-cooked dishes.

Is Beef Cheek Good to Eat?

Absolutely! Beef cheeks provide a rich, savory experience with a melt-in-your-mouth texture when slow-cooked. They are perfect for stews, braises, and other hearty dishes that benefit from deep flavors.

Why Slow-Cooked Beef Cheeks Are Perfect for Special Occasions

The Appeal of This Dish for Family Gatherings and Holidays

Beef cheeks make a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and holidays. Their rich, tender meat offers a comforting and luxurious texture that’s sure to impress guests. The deep flavors create a memorable dining experience, making any occasion special.

Impressing Your Guests with an Unforgettable Meal

Serving slow-cooked beef cheeks will undoubtedly impress your guests with a dish that combines elegance with homely comfort. The tender meat paired with the luscious red wine sauce creates an unforgettable meal that elevates any dinner party or celebration.

How Slow Cooking Makes Preparing for Special Occasions Stress-Free

Slow cooking beef cheeks transforms meal preparation into a hassle-free experience. Once assembled, the dish requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on other details of your event. The result is a rich, flavorful meal that delights guests with little stress.

Enjoy crafting this delectable slow-cooked beef cheeks dish, perfect for any occasion that calls for a hearty and impressive meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or celebrating a special holiday, beef cheeks promise to deliver a satisfying and memorable culinary experience.

More Recipes to Try

• Canned Corned Beef Breakfast Recipes With No Potatoes You’ll Love
• Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights
• baby back ribs with beer and montreal steak seasoning recipe
• Taco Soup Recipe Bold Flavors Made Simple