When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to a tender, fall-apart piece of beef. And when that beef is cooked low and slow, all the better. Beef cheeks, in particular, are a culinary delight, with their rich flavor and velvety texture making them perfect for slow-cooked dishes. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of slow-cooked beef cheek cuisine, from classic braises to international twists.
From tender beef cheeks smothered in red wine sauce to spicy Korean-style galbi jjim, and from hearty stews to flavorful tacos, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for some new ideas to spice up your cooking routine, this collection of beef cheek recipes is the perfect place to start.
Braised Beef Cheeks with Red Wine Sauce
Braised Beef Cheeks with Red Wine Sauce: A rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks (about 2 lbs)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef cheeks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onion. Cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the beef cheeks to the pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender. Serve with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek Tacos
Transform tough beef cheeks into tender, flavorful tacos with this simple recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef cheek or short ribs
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef cheeks on all sides. Remove from heat and transfer to slow cooker.
3. Add onion, garlic, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the beef with two forks. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto a warmed tortilla and adding desired toppings.
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low setting) or overnight
Beef Cheek Ragu with Pappardelle
This hearty ragu recipe is a perfect showcase for slow-cooked beef cheeks, tender and flavorful after hours of simmering. Served with wide, flat pappardelle noodles, the rich sauce coats every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef cheeks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces pappardelle noodles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef cheeks with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion to pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add wine, broth, and crushed tomatoes to pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Return beef cheeks to pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until meat is tender.
7. Cook pappardelle noodles according to package instructions. Serve with ragu spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Mexican-Style Barbacoa Beef Cheeks
This recipe for slow-cooked beef cheeks in a rich and spicy tomato-based broth is a staple of Mexican cuisine. With its tender texture and bold flavors, it’s perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheek pieces (about 2 pounds)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return the browned beef cheeks to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender and falling apart.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Beef Cheek Bourguignon
This classic French dish is a hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. With tender beef cheeks, rich broth, and a hint of red wine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef cheeks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef cheeks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cheeks on all sides, then remove from pot.
4. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, celery, and bay leaf to pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add red wine, broth, tomato paste, and browned beef cheeks to pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Stew with Root Vegetables
Beef Cheek Stew with Root Vegetables Recipe
A hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this Beef Cheek Stew with Root Vegetables is a must-try. Tender beef cheek, slow-cooked in a rich broth with an array of root vegetables, creates a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef cheek
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef cheek with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef cheek in a little oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chopped onion, carrots, sweet potato, and parsnip. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the garlic, red wine, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Season with thyme and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek and Mushroom Pie
This comforting pie is a perfect representation of a warm hug on a chilly day. Tender beef cheeks slow-cooked with rich mushrooms and flaky pastry will become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef cheeks, sliced into thin strips
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan, cook the beef cheeks and onion in butter until browned.
3. Add mushrooms, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Roll out puff pastry to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill with the beef mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Korean Braised Beef Cheeks (Galbi Jjim)
Galbi Jjim, a popular Korean dish, is a tender and flavorful braise that requires minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks (about 2 pounds)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt, to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef cheeks with salt.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Add onion, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
6. Serve with garnishes of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Osso Buco
Osso buco, a classic Italian dish, gets a rich and tender twist with beef cheeks. This comforting stew is perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheek pieces (about 1 pound)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4-6 baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef cheeks with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add wine, broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Return beef cheeks to the pot, along with carrots and celery. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Chili with Beans
This rich and comforting chili recipe is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Braised beef cheeks add depth of flavor and tender texture to this slow-cooked dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef cheeks, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cheeks, then set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and water. Return beef cheeks to pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Rendang
Beef Cheek Rendang Recipe
Rendang is a classic Malaysian dish that’s rich and flavorful, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights at home. This Beef Cheek Rendang recipe is a twist on the traditional recipe, using tender beef cheeks instead of beef strips.
Ingredients:
– 1 kg beef cheek, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large wok or pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add beef cheek strips; cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add coconut milk, water, tamarind paste, cumin, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Beef Cheek and Guinness Stew
This slow-cooked stew is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. The tender beef cheeks, rich Guinness stout, and flavorful vegetables combine to create a truly satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef cheeks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Beef Cheek Goulash
Rich and flavorful, this beef cheek goulash is a perfect comfort food dish for a chilly evening. Tender beef cheeks slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and spices will fill your home with a savory aroma.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef cheeks
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown the beef cheeks in a hot skillet with some oil. Remove from heat.
3. In a large Dutch oven, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
4. Add the browned beef cheeks, diced tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Sliders with Pickled Onions
A twist on the classic slider, these tender beef cheek sliders are served on a toasted bun with tangy pickled onions and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef cheeks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pickle juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Cheddar cheese slices
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Pickle the onions by combining sliced onions, pickle juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Slice the cooled beef cheeks into thin strips.
5. Assemble the sliders by placing a few slices of beef cheek onto each bun, followed by a spoonful of pickled onions and a slice or two of cheddar cheese.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3 hours (includes cooking time for beef cheeks)
Beef Cheek Curry with Coconut Milk
This hearty curry recipe showcases the tender beauty of beef cheeks, slow-cooked in a rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 kg beef cheek, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef cheek pieces, then set aside.
3. Cook onions, garlic, and ginger until onions are translucent.
4. Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric; cook 1 minute.
5. Add browned beef cheeks back to pot, along with coconut milk.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Cheek Pot Roast
Transform tough beef cheeks into a tender, flavorful pot roast with this easy recipe. The slow-cooked result is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef cheek (or beef shank), trimmed of excess fat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, red wine, beef broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Roast for 2 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Beef Cheek Empanadas
Beef Cheek Empanadas Recipe
A twist on traditional empanadas, these savory pastries are filled with tender beef cheek and perfect for a hearty snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound beef cheeks, slow-cooked and shredded
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together beef cheek, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the filling.
5. Brush edges with water and fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or square shape.
6. Press edges together to seal and use a fork to crimp.
7. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush tops with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Cheek Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
This rich and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup is a staple of the country’s street food scene. Beef cheek pho is a comforting and nourishing meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef cheeks
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 cup rice noodles
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
– Lime wedges
– Bean sprouts and chili sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef cheeks, broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or overnight.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
4. Assemble bowls with sliced beef cheek, noodles, and garnishes.
5. Serve hot, with chili sauce and bean sprouts on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Summary
Get ready to fall in love with beef cheeks! These tender and flavorful cuts are perfect for slow cooking. From classic braises to international twists, we’ve gathered 18 mouth-watering beef cheek recipes that will elevate your meal game. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a comforting pot roast, these recipes showcase the versatility of beef cheeks. Discover new flavors and techniques with dishes like Braised Beef Cheeks with Red Wine Sauce, Mexican-Style Barbacoa Beef Cheeks, and Korean Braised Beef Cheeks (Galbi Jjim). Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, these slow-cooked beef cheek recipes are sure to impress.
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