Southern Braised Beef Recipe

Southern Braised Beef Plate with Mac Cheese, Green Beans Veggie Medley: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich, comforting aroma of Southern braised beef filling your kitchen, promising a meal that wraps you in the warmth of Southern comfort food. This Southern braised beef recipe, featuring tender beef plate slow-cooked to perfection, is the ultimate braised beef recipe for family dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s designed to deliver melt-in-your-mouth tenderness through our secret slow-braising technique, making it a standout among beef with mac and cheese recipes. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this dish solves the common problem of dry, tough beef by ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful, elevating your home cooking game effortlessly.

The flavors of this Southern braised beef plate are a symphony of the South—deeply savory beef infused with garlic and onions, paired with the creamy, cheesy bliss of mac and cheese that clings to your spoon. Picture the tender beef strands pulling apart with ease, contrasted by the crisp-tender green beans and vibrant veggie medley that add a fresh, colorful crunch. The aromas wafting from the pot will have your mouth watering, with hints of black pepper and herbs creating an inviting, homey scent that transports you to a Southern porch on a lazy afternoon. Textures play perfectly: the silky mac and cheese provides a comforting creaminess, while the veggies offer a satisfying bite that balances the richness of the beef.

What sets this version of the Southern braised beef recipe on exorecipes.com apart is our commitment to being the single best resource, drawing from Chef Sally’s expertise to deliver a foolproof, tested method that’s been refined for maximum deliciousness. You’ll learn insider tips, like our Chef’s Secret for achieving unparalleled tenderness without a slow cooker, making it accessible for everyone. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about building confidence in the kitchen with clear, step-by-step guidance that’s helped thousands succeed. Dive in to discover how to master beef with mac and cheese recipes while enjoying Southern comfort food at its finest.

Southern Braised Beef Recipe: Why This Braised Beef Plate with Mac and Cheese is a Game-Changer

Our unique selling proposition lies in the “melt-in-your-mouth tenderness” achieved through a precise slow-braising technique that infuses the beef with rich flavors while keeping it incredibly juicy. Unlike standard braised beef recipes, we emphasize braising the beef plate in beef broth for exactly two hours, allowing the connective tissues to break down fully for that signature Southern softness. This method, perfected by Chef Sally, ensures the beef absorbs every drop of seasoning, making it the star of any meal.

The science behind the unbeatable texture comes from the low-and-slow cooking process, which collagen in the beef plate breaks down into gelatin, creating a tender, succulent result. This isn’t just cooking; it’s transforming tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth morsels that rival restaurant-quality Southern comfort food. By maintaining a gentle simmer, we prevent the beef from toughening, guaranteeing a consistent, fork-tender outcome every time.

This recipe is foolproof because it’s been tested multiple times in real home kitchens, ensuring reliability for cooks of all levels. With straightforward instructions and tips to avoid common pitfalls, you’ll achieve success on your first try, making it the go-to for beef with mac and cheese recipes or slow cooker beef brisket alternatives.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference in Southern Braised Beef

2 lbs beef plate: This cut is ideal for braising as its marbling renders down during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and ensuring that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Always choose fresh, high-quality beef from a reputable butcher for the best Southern braised beef results; look for a bright red color with even fat distribution. If unavailable, a chuck roast makes a great substitution, as it offers similar fat content and tenderness when braised slowly.

1 cup macaroni: The base of our creamy mac and cheese, this pasta absorbs the cheese sauce beautifully, providing a hearty, comforting texture. Opt for durum wheat pasta for better al dente results; it holds up well without becoming mushy. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with chickpea or brown rice pasta to maintain the structure and flavor integrity of your beef with mac and cheese recipes.

2 cups shredded cheese: This is what makes our mac and cheese extra creamy and irresistible, binding everything together with a gooey, melty finish. Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for optimal flavor and stretch; quality matters here, so avoid pre-shredded options with additives. For a dairy-free twist, try vegan cheddar shreds, which melt similarly and keep the dish accessible for all diets.

1 lb green beans: Adding a fresh, vibrant crunch to balance the richness of the Southern braised beef, these beans provide essential nutrients and a pop of color to your veggie medley. Select crisp, bright green beans for the best texture; steam them lightly to retain their nutrients. If fresh aren’t in season, frozen green beans work as a convenient substitute, just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.

2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers): This colorful mix of carrots and bell peppers brings sweetness and variety to the plate, complementing the savory beef and creamy mac. Choose organic veggies for enhanced flavor and fewer pesticides; they’re key to a wholesome Southern comfort food experience. Substitute with zucchini or broccoli if you prefer, ensuring they’re cut into uniform sizes for even steaming.

Other essentials like salt, black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, and 3 garlic cloves: Salt and black pepper enhance the overall seasoning, drawing out flavors in the beef for a true Southern braised beef taste. Use high-quality sea salt and freshly ground pepper for depth. Olive oil sears the beef perfectly, so opt for extra-virgin for its fruity notes. Fresh onions and garlic add aromatic punch—always use fresh for the best results; if needed, substitute garlic powder in a pinch, but it won’t match the intensity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by seasoning the 2 lbs beef plate generously with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring every side is coated for maximum flavor absorption. This step is crucial for locking in the juices that make this Southern braised beef recipe so tender.

Pro Tip: Let the seasoned beef rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before searing; this helps the spices penetrate deeper, enhancing the overall taste of your Southern comfort food.

Step 2: Searing the Beef

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the beef and sear it on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, about 5 minutes per side. This creates a flavorful base for braising.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can steam the beef instead of searing it; cook in batches if needed to achieve that perfect sear for your braised beef recipe.

Step 3: Adding Aromatics and Braising

Once seared, add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the beef, then reduce heat to low and braise for 2 hours, covered, until the beef is fork-tender.

Pro Tip: Stir occasionally and check the liquid levels; add more broth if needed to maintain moisture, ensuring the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that sets this beef with mac and cheese recipe apart.

Step 4: Cooking the Macaroni

While the beef braises, boil 1 cup macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and mix immediately with 2 cups shredded cheese until creamy and well-combined.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy when mixed with cheese; aim for al dente to keep the texture perfect in your Southern comfort food.

Step 5: Steaming the Vegetables

In a separate pot, steam 1 lb green beans and 2 cups mixed vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes, to retain their bright colors and nutrients.

Pro Tip: Use a steamer basket to prevent sogginess; this keeps the veggies crisp and fresh, balancing the richness of your braised beef plate.

Step 6: Plating the Dish

Once everything is ready, slice the braised beef and plate it alongside the mac and cheese and steamed veggies for a complete, hearty meal.

Pro Tip: Let the beef rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible in this Southern braised beef recipe.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your Southern braised beef plate by arranging the tender beef slices in the center of the plate, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Surround it with a generous scoop of creamy mac and cheese and a colorful pile of green beans and veggie medley for visual appeal. For an impressive garnish, add a dash of paprika or a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with Southern comfort food staples like cornbread or a simple salad, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the beef up to 3 days in advance by following the braising steps, then cool and refrigerate it. Cook the mac and cheese and veggies fresh on the day of serving to maintain their texture, or assemble the mac and cheese ahead and reheat gently.

Storing Leftovers: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze the beef for up to 2 months to preserve freshness and flavors in your braised beef recipe.

The Best Way to Reheat: Reheat the beef in a pot with a splash of broth to restore its tenderness, warm the mac and cheese on the stove with a bit of milk, and refresh veggies in the microwave with a touch of water for that just-cooked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)