A plated serving of tender, shredded braised beef cheeks smothered in rich brown gravy, served atop creamy mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh parsley. A glass of red wine is visible in the background.

Beef Cheeks: The Ultimate Cut for Rich and Flavorful Dishes

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If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting beef cheeks, you know they’re an extraordinary cut of meat. Often overlooked in favor of more well-known cuts like ribeye or sirloin, beef cheeks offer a richness and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Slow-cooked until tender, they melt in your mouth, releasing a savory, beefy essence that elevates any dish. Whether you’re braising, stewing, or making a hearty stew, cheeks bring an irresistible richness that will leave you craving more. Ready to discover why this humble cut deserves a spot in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the world of cheeks and explore how to make them the star of your next meal!

Key Benefits:

  • Incredible Flavor: Beef cheeks have a deep, rich, and savory flavor that’s perfect for slow cooking, making them ideal for hearty, flavorful dishes.
  • Tender Texture: When cooked low and slow, beef cheeks become incredibly tender and juicy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Versatile: Tacos, sandwiches, braises, and stews are just a few of the recipes that can employ beef cheeks. Their versatility allows for endless recipe possibilities.
  • Affordable: Compared to more premium cuts, beef cheeks are an affordable option for creating rich, gourmet meals at home.
  • Nutritious: High in protein and packed with collagen, beef provide essential nutrients that support healthy joints and skin.

Ingredients:

  • 2 beef cheeks, trimmed of silver skin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Flat lay overhead view of ingredients for braised beef cheeks. Raw beef cheeks are centered in a cast iron pan, surrounded by bowls of diced carrots, diced celery root or turnip, chopped celery stalks, garlic bulbs, beef broth, herbs (parsley), spices, and possibly rice or coarse salt.
All the fresh components needed to create deeply flavorful, fall-apart tender beef cheeks.

Instructions:

  1. Sear the beef cheeks: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned.After taking the beef cheeks out of the saucepan, set them aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Put the chopped celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in the same saucepan. The vegetables should be soft and fragrant after 5 to 6 minutes of sautéing.
  3. Deglaze the pot: If using, pour in the red wine, scraping along the bottom to get rid of any tasty pieces that have adhered to the bottom.
    Let the wine cook off for a minute or two, reducing slightly.
  4. Add the liquids and seasonings:in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine. Return the beef cheeks to the pot with the vegetables and liquid, being sure to nestle them in.
  5. The beef cheeks can be cooked slowly by bringing the mixture to a simmer, then lowering the heat to low and covering the pot with a lid.Make sure the beef cheeks are fork-tender. and the flesh should be breaking apart after 3–4 hours of braise time.
  6. Shred the meat: Once the beef cheeks are tender, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the meat, throwing away any extra fat.Add the shredded meat back to the saucepan and toss it into the veggies and liquids.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve the beef cheeks over mashed potatoes, rice, or in tacos. To give some color and freshness, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
A 4-panel collage showing steps of braising beef cheeks in a white dutch oven. Panels show searing the meat, adding vegetables and broth, simmering, and adding greens near the end of cooking.
Visual guide illustrating the key stages of cooking tender, flavorful beef cheeks in a dutch oven.

Pro Tips and Variations:

  • Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make beef cheeks in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef cheeks are tender.
  • Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the pot during the sautéing stage.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves to infuse the dish with even more flavor.
  • Serve with Gravy: For an extra indulgent twist, strain the braising liquid and reduce it into a rich gravy. Pour it over the shredded cheeks and your chosen side dishes.
  • Taco Filling: Beef cheeks make an amazing taco filling. Spoon the meat into soft tortillas after shredding it, then garnish with fresh cilantro, onion, and lime juice.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Mashed Potatoes: The rich, tender beef cheeks are perfect when served over creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up the flavorful sauce for a comforting dish.
  • Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice is the ideal base to soak up the braising liquid and complement the hearty beef.
  • Tacos: Shred the beef and serve it in warm tortillas, topped with salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for a delicious twist on taco night.
  • Sandwiches: For a satisfying meal, serve the shredded cheeks on a toasted bun with a dollop of aioli or pickled onions.

Conclusion:


Beef cheeks are a cut of meat that truly delivers when it comes to flavor and tenderness. They are perfect for slow-cooked dishes like stews, braises, and tacos because of their delicious texture and depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, beef will elevate any meal to a new level of deliciousness. Affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrients, cheeks are a must-try for anyone looking to create rich, flavorful dishes that everyone will love.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use beef in other dishes? Absolutely! can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, tacos, sandwiches, and even as a filling for empanadas or pies.
  2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover beef cheeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded meat for up to 3 months for future use.
  3. Can I make this recipe without wine? Yes, you can omit the wine and simply use beef broth or add a splash of vinegar for acidity if desired. The dish will still be flavorful.
  4. How do I know when the beef cheeks are done? When the beef are fork-tender and the flesh readily separates, they are done. The slow cooking process will break down the collagen and fat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving

Categorize the recipe:

  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Latin, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if served without dairy sides)
  • Method: Braised
  • Keyword: Beef Cheeks
  • Skill Level: Intermediate

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