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Sunday Stash Braised Beef

This slow-braised beef is a versatile addition to your weekly meal prep, designed to be cooked low and slow until the meat is meltingly tender. By using beef short ribs or Denver steaks, you create a rich, savoury base that develops deep flavour through caramelisation and a gentle simmer in a vinegar-spiked stock. It is a wonderful way to prepare a large batch of protein that stays succulent and juicy when stored in its own braising liquid.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and aromatics without the need for sugary glazes or thickeners. It fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle, whether served alongside roasted root vegetables or shredded into a vibrant salad. You can easily prepare this dish up to five days in advance, making it an ideal 'Sunday stash' for busy households looking for a healthy, homemade dinner solution.

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Ingredients for Sunday Stash Braised Beef

  • 2.3kg boneless beef short ribs or Denver steaks

  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon (or more) canola or vegetable oil

  • 5 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 120ml red or white wine vinegar

  • 1 1/2 cups (or more) beef or chicken stock

  • 4 dried bay leaves

Season beef on all sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature at least 45 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 135°C. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Working in batches and adding more oil if needed, sear meat until browned on all sides, 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Add garlic and tomato paste to hot pot and stir to coat. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Add vinegar and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pot. Stir in stock and bay leaves, then nestle short ribs back into pot. The liquid should just cover the meat; if it doesn’t, add more stock or water until it does. Transfer to oven and braise until meat falls apart easily when shredded with a fork, 3 1/2–4 hours. Let cool in liquid.

Do Ahead: Beef can be cooked up to 5 days ahead. Store in braising liquid (to keep it from drying out) in an airtight container and chill, or freeze up to 2 months. Before reheating, break off and discard fat cap that forms on top.

Cooks’ Note: To cook in a slow cooker, transfer to a slow cooker instead of oven and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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