Turns Out Those Numbers Mean Something Genius

Ingredients

• 2 lb Beef Chuck Roast (well‑marbled, trimmed of excess fat)
• 0.5 cup Cognac (good quality for deglazing)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
• 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
• 2 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 sticks Celery Stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (leaves only)
• 1 piece Bay Leaf (whole)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Position Rack

   Set the oven to 325°F (163°C) and slide the rack to position number 2 (the middle rack) as recommended for meat dishes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 325°F

2. Season and Sear Beef

   Pat the beef dry, season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat, then sear the beef on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 3‑4 minutes per side.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium‑high

3. Deglaze with Cognac

   Remove the skillet from heat, carefully add the cognac, and return to the stove to flambé for 30 seconds, allowing the alcohol to burn off and lift the browned bits.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

4. Add Aromatics

   Stir in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

5. Combine with Broth and Herbs

   Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

6. Transfer to Roasting Pan

   Place the seared beef into a roasting pan and pour the vegetable‑cognac sauce over it, ensuring the meat is partially submerged.

   Time: PT3M

7. Braise in Oven

   Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil or a lid and braise in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the meat is fork‑tender.

   Time: PT2H

   Temperature: 325°F

8. Rest and Serve

   Remove the pan from the oven, let the beef rest covered for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain, spoon the sauce over the slices, and serve with your favorite side (e.g., mashed potatoes or crusty bread).

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

45g

Carbohydrates

12g

Fat

35g

Fiber

2g