beef cheek meat is the unsung hero of hearty dinners, gently braised until it dissolves into buttery tenderness, kissed by fragrant garlic and thyme. Picture yourself stirring a simmering pot filled with rich vegetable broth, a splash of tangy balsamic and bright citrus juice, while the aroma weaves stories of cozy kitchens and laughter-filled nights. Each forkful yields a succulent cloud of flavor, perfect over creamy mashed potatoes or nestled in warm flatbreads with crisp greens. This playful, comforting recipe invites you to fall in love with slow-cooked magic, turning humble cuts into an unforgettable feast and joyful gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This beef cheek meat
- Incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Perfect for hearty stews and comforting dishes.
- Budget-friendly cut that delivers gourmet taste.
- Rich in collagen, making it great for your skin and joints.
beef cheek meat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Season the Beef Cheek Meat – Start by generously seasoning your beef cheek meat with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor beautifully.
- Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil – In a heavy pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up until it shimmers, ready for some sizzling action!
- Step 3: Sear the Beef Cheeks – Carefully add the beef cheeks to the pot. Sear them until they are beautifully browned on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Step 4: SautĂ© the Vegetables – Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. SautĂ© until they soften and fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste – Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for about a minute. This adds depth to your sauce.
- Step 6: Return the Beef Cheeks – Now, it’s time to return the beef cheeks to the pot. Pour in beef broth and toss in your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Step 7: Simmer and Cook – Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
- Step 8: Shred the Meat – Once cooked, remove the beef cheeks from the pot. Shred the meat with two forks and return it to the delicious sauce. Stir to combine.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy – Serve your beef cheek meat hot, paired with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 10g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create a mouth-watering beef cheek meat dish!
- Beef cheek meat – 2 lb, choose quality cuts for the best flavor
- Onion, chopped – 1 large, adds sweetness and depth
- Carrots, chopped – 2, for a hint of natural sweetness
- Celery stalks, chopped – 2, enhances the aromatic base
- Garlic cloves, minced – 4, the more, the merrier!
- Beef broth – 2 cups, use low-sodium for control over salt
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp, adds richness and depth
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp, for sautéing the aromatics
- Dried rosemary – 1 tsp, a fragrant herb to complement the beef
- Dried thyme – 1 tsp, adds earthy tones
- Salt and pepper – to taste, season to your preference
How to Make Beef Cheek Meat
Cooking beef cheek meat is a delightful journey that requires a bit of time but rewards you with tender, flavorful results. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is 3 to 4 hours. Make sure to set aside some extra time for resting before serving!
Step 1: Season the Beef Cheek Meat
Start by generously seasoning your beef cheek meat with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a heavy pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up until it shimmers, ready for some sizzling action!
Step 3: Sear the Beef Cheeks
Carefully add the beef cheeks to the pot. Sear them until they are beautifully browned on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until they soften and fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste
Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for about a minute. This adds depth to your sauce.
Step 6: Return the Beef Cheeks
Now, it’s time to return the beef cheeks to the pot. Pour in beef broth and toss in your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
Step 7: Simmer and Cook
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
Step 8: Shred the Meat
Once cooked, remove the beef cheeks from the pot. Shred the meat with two forks and return it to the delicious sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your beef cheek meat hot, paired with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 240 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes resting |
| Total Time | 290 minutes |
| Dietary | High protein |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread |
Pro Tips for Making beef cheek meat
- Slow-cook for tenderness; low and slow is key.
- Season generously; beef cheek meat loves bold flavors.
- Use beef broth or vegetable broth for moisture.
- Let it rest after cooking for juicy results.
- Pair with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or polenta.
How to Serve this beef cheek meat
- Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Pair with roasted root vegetables for a hearty side.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Enjoy in a warm sandwich with crusty bread and a tangy sauce.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced plate.
- Use as a filling for tacos with avocado and salsa.
- Accompany with a rich, homemade gravy for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and reheating beef cheek meat is simple and keeps it delicious:
Storing Leftovers
- Cool the beef cheek meat to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is beef cheek meat good for?
Beef cheek meat is incredibly versatile and is perfect for slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing. It becomes tender and flavorful, making it ideal for hearty dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, or served over creamy polenta. The rich, beefy flavor pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces, allowing for endless culinary creativity!
2. What is beef cheek called in the US?
In the US, beef cheek meat is commonly referred to as ‘beef cheeks.’ It may also be labeled as ‘cheek meat’ in some butcher shops. This cut is gaining popularity due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly, making it a sought-after ingredient in gourmet cooking and comfort food alike.
3. Is beef cheek meat tender or tough?
Beef cheek meat is known for its toughness when raw, but it transforms into a tender and succulent cut when cooked slowly. The long cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfect for braising or slow-roasting. It’s a true testament to the magic of low and slow cooking!
4. Is beef cheek a cheap cut of meat?
Yes, beef cheek is generally considered a more affordable cut of meat compared to other beef cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Its lower price point, combined with its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly, makes it an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals that don’t compromise on taste. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious beef dishes without breaking the bank!
Final Thoughts
Cooking beef cheek meat is a delightful journey that brings warmth to your kitchen and heart. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, savor the process, and enjoy every bite! You’ll find it’s simple, rewarding, and oh-so-satisfying. Happy cooking!