Best Easy Brasato al Barolo Recipe

Beef braised in Barolo wine for hours until fork-tender is Piedmont's proudest dish. This high protein mediterranean family dinner is a carnivore masterpiece that slow-cooks to perfection.

Cook 240 min Difficulty NORMAL 540 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef chuck roast 3 lbs
  • onion 2 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • Barolo wine 1 bottle
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • fresh rosemary 2 sprigs
  • fresh thyme 2 sprigs
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 9%
Protein 40 g 30%
Fat 34 g 61%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the beef chuck roast dry, season on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper, and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a heavy Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then transfer to a plate.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 7–10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and starting to caramelize.

  4. 4

    Stir in crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute, then return the seared beef to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables.

  5. 5

    Add Barolo wine, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and braise for 3–3.5 hours, turning the meat once or twice, until fork-tender.

  6. 6

    Remove the beef. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer the braising liquid uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. Slice the beef and serve with the rich sauce.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star ingredient is a 3 lb beef chuck roast, which forms the core of Brasato al Barolo. Its marbling and texture are essential for delivering the signature fork-tender result after braising in Barolo wine.
Q. Why is heat control important during the braising step?
After bringing the wine to a gentle simmer, maintaining a low, steady heat during braising allows the beef to become tender without drying out. Too high a heat can toughen the meat or evaporate the sauce prematurely, so it's important to braise covered at low heat for several hours.
Q. How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry or tough?
First, searing the beef properly locks in moisture. Then, ensure the pot is tightly covered during braising and that the liquid gently simmers, never boils rapidly. If you follow the timing and proper heat as described, the beef will turn out succulent and tender.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving (320g) contains approximately 540 kcal, with 40g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. Protein contributes about 30% of calories, making it a high-protein dish as well as heartily satisfying.
Q. Does this recipe fit a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, the recipe centers on olive oil, vegetables, fresh herbs, and lean beef, braised in red wine—signature elements of Mediterranean cooking. With moderate carbs (9% of calories) and a balanced nutrition profile, it's ideal for Mediterranean diet meals.
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