Coffee-Infused Smoky Apple-Tomato Braised Beef

This Coffee-Infused Smoky Apple-Tomato Braised Beef recipe incorporates bold coffee flavours. The coffee adds depth and richness, balancing the sweetness of apple, tang of vinegar, and smokiness of paprika. Perfect for a decadent, complex dish.  

Coffee-Infused Smoky Apple-Tomato Braised Beef

Braising Liquid

Ingredients:

- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)

- 2 tbsp olive oil  

- 1 onion, chopped  

- 4 garlic cloves, minced  

- 1½ cups strong brewed coffee (or 1 cup coffee + ½ cup water)

- 1 cup beef broth  

- ½ cup apple cider vinegar  

- 2 tbsp F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning

- 1 tbsp brown sugar  

- Optional: 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (enhances coffee’s richness)

Instructions

1. Prep the Beef:

   - Pat the beef dry. Rub the roast with 1 tbsp of high heat cooking oil (avocado, canola, peanut). Massage a tbsp of the F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning  into the meat, coating evenly. Let sit for 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).  

2. Sear the Beef:

   - Heat high heat oil (avocado, canola, peanut) in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until deeply caramelized on all sides (~5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.  

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   - In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (~3 minutes).  

4. Deglaze & Braise: 

   - Pour in apple cider vinegar to scrape up browned bits. Add coffee, broth, F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning, brown sugar, and cocoa (if using). Stir until smooth.  

   - Return beef to the pot, ensuring liquid reaches halfway up the meat. Cover and braise in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 3–3.5 hours, until fork-tender. 

5. Reduce the Sauce:

   - Remove beef and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the braising liquid. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened to a glossy glaze (~10–15 minutes).  

6. Serve:  

   - Shred or slice the beef and drizzle with the reduced coffee-tomato glaze.  

Serving Suggestions

- Over Creamy Polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.  

- With Roasted Root Vegetables (carrots, parsnips) tossed in a pinch of the dry rub.  

- As Tacos: Serve with pickled red onions, avocado, and warm tortillas.  

Tips

- Instant Coffee Hack: Use 2 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1½ cups hot water.  

- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for king oyster mushrooms. Use vegetable broth.  

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy meal.

Enjoy!