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Mary Berry Beef Cheeks

Mary Berry Beef Cheeks recipe
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Mary Berry’s Beef Cheeks is a traditional slow-braised beef recipe cooked with red wine, beef stock, onions, garlic, and herbs. The beef cheeks are seared to lock in flavor and then simmered gently for hours until tender. The slow cooking process creates a thick, glossy sauce that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1.2kg beef cheeks, trimmed of sinew

  • 2 tbsp plain flour

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 onions, finely chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery sticks, sliced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato purée

  • 500ml red wine

  • 500ml beef stock

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 fresh sprigs

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). A low, consistent temperature is key for tender meat.

Step 2: Season and Brown the Beef Cheeks

Season the beef cheeks with salt and pepper, then dust them lightly with flour. Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish and sear the cheeks in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato purée and cook briefly to enhance the flavor. Pour in the red wine and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add Stock and Herbs

Return the beef cheeks to the dish. Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2½–3 hours until the beef cheeks are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve  

Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-beef-cheeks/