We’ve always loved experimenting with bold flavors, and our sweet cherry wine recipe for beef offers a delightful twist on traditional meals. This dish combines the rich, tangy sweetness of cherry wine with hearty beef, creating a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for impressing guests or spicing up weeknight dinners.
Originating from our kitchen adventures, it’s an easy way to elevate everyday ingredients into something special. We’ll walk you through the basics, ensuring you craft a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
In our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe For Beef, we select high-quality ingredients that blend the tart sweetness of cherries with robust beef flavors to create a dish that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re typically prepared and used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
- Beef: 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cubed into 1-inch pieces for even searing and tenderizing.
- Sweet Cherry Wine: 1 cup of sweet cherry wine (we recommend a bold variety like a California cherry wine for its fruity depth), used as a marinade base to infuse flavors.
- Fresh Cherries: 1 ½ cups of fresh cherries, pitted and halved to release their juices and add a vibrant tang.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced to build the flavor foundation in the initial sauté.
- Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced for aromatic enhancement right after the onions.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems to provide earthy notes during cooking.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, added later to deglaze and create a rich sauce.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, for browning the beef and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to taste for seasoning throughout the process.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, dissolved into the wine mixture to balance acidity and enhance sweetness.
Tools and Equipment
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients for the Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe For Beef, let’s equip ourselves with the essential tools to ensure a seamless cooking process. Having the right equipment not only streamlines preparation but also enhances safety and precision in the kitchen.
We recommend the following Tools and Equipment, organized by their role in the recipe to maintain a logical flow from ingredient prep to cooking:
- Cutting and Prep Tools:
- A sharp chef’s knife for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and pitting cherries efficiently. We always advise using a knife with a comfortable handle to prevent fatigue during prep.
- A sturdy cutting board made of wood or plastic, at least 12 inches by 18 inches, to provide a stable surface for all your chopping tasks.
- Measuring Tools:
- A set of measuring cups (both dry and liquid) for accurately measuring items like sweet cherry wine and beef broth. Opt for ones with clear markings to avoid errors.
- Measuring spoons for precise amounts of seasonings such as salt, pepper, and brown sugar, ensuring our flavors balance perfectly.
- Cooking Vessels and Utensils:
- A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter) for searing the beef and simmering the cherry wine mixture. This is crucial for even heat distribution and developing rich, tangy flavors.
- A wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware, allowing us to blend the hearty beef with the sweet cherry notes effortlessly.
- Additional Essentials:
- A colander or strainer for rinsing and draining fresh cherries, helping to remove any pits or excess moisture before adding them to the dish.
- An instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef, ensuring it reaches a safe 145°F for medium-rare doneness while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
By using these tools, we can execute the recipe with confidence and achieve the best results in our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe For Beef. Remember, investing in quality equipment makes every step more enjoyable and elevates our culinary outcomes.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we’re excited to walk you through the step-by-step process for our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef. We’ll ensure each stage is straightforward and results in a dish bursting with rich, tangy sweetness and hearty beef flavors.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to set the stage for maximum flavor infusion. Start by cubing the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast into 1-inch pieces for even cooking, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve a perfect sear later. Next, pit and halve the 1 ½ cups of fresh cherries, allowing their vibrant, juicy sweetness to shine through in the dish.
Finely chop the medium yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves from the ingredients list, aiming for about 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to add a pungent aroma that complements the cherries. Strip the leaves from the fresh thyme sprigs, yielding roughly 1 tablespoon, and measure out the remaining items: 1 cup of sweet cherry wine, 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
Organize everything on your cutting board for easy access, ensuring your workspace is clean and efficient—this preparation not only saves time but also enhances the sensory experience as the scents of fresh herbs and cherries begin to mingle.
Marinate
With our ingredients prepped, it’s time to marinate the beef to lock in those deep, fruity notes from the sweet cherry wine. In a large bowl, combine the cubed beef, 1 cup of sweet cherry wine, halved cherries, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh thyme, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, tossing everything together with a wooden spoon until the beef is evenly coated in the glossy, aromatic mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for optimal flavor absorption—this step allows the beef to soak up the wine’s tangy sweetness and the cherries’ natural tartness, transforming the meat into a tender, flavorful base. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature works, but longer marination yields the best results, infusing the beef with a symphony of sweet and savory undertones.
Cook
Now we’re ready to cook, bringing all the elements together for a mouthwatering finale. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the marinated beef in batches to avoid crowding, searing each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of caramelized cherries and herbs.
Once seared, return all the beef to the pot along with any remaining marinade, then pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom with your wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens into a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze that coats each piece—envision the beef absorbing the wine’s depth while the cherries burst with juicy sweetness, creating a dish that’s visually appealing and irresistibly aromatic. Use your instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe, succulent results.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef ahead of time allows flavors to deepen and makes weeknight meals effortless. By planning ahead, we can enhance the tangy sweetness of the cherries and the robust beef while saving valuable kitchen time. Below, we break down the key steps to make this dish make-ahead friendly, ensuring it remains delicious and safe.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
First, we focus on prepping the core components up to 24 hours before cooking. This step minimizes last-minute chopping and lets you enjoy the process.
- Cube the Beef: Start by cutting 2 pounds of beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. We recommend patting the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with searing later. Store the cubed beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Pit and Prepare Cherries: For 1 ½ cups of fresh cherries, pit them using a cherry pitter or a small knife. If they’re not in season, we suggest using frozen cherries—thaw and drain them first. Place in a sealed bag or container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to preserve their vibrant tartness.
- Chop Vegetables and Herbs: Dice the medium yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves ahead of time. Fresh thyme sprigs can be washed, dried, and stored in a damp paper towel inside a zip-top bag. Keep these in the fridge for up to 1 day to maintain crispness and aroma.
Marinating the Beef
Marinating is where the magic happens for our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef, as it infuses the meat with layers of flavor. We advise doing this step 4 to 24 hours in advance.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of sweet cherry wine, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed beef to the mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag.
- Refrigerate the marinated beef for at least 4 hours—or overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Stir or flip the bag halfway through if possible.
Storing and Reheating the Dish
After cooking, our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef stores beautifully, allowing you to prepare the full dish up to 2 days ahead.
- Cool and Store: Once the beef is simmered and coated in the glossy, sweet-tangy glaze, let it cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. This resting period lets the flavors meld even more.
- Reheat Instructions: When ready to serve, gently reheat in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture, and warm until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and preserve the dish’s aromatic appeal.
By following these steps, we ensure our Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef is not only convenient but also packed with enhanced taste and texture.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through this sweet cherry wine recipe for beef
as it adds a special twist to your meals. It’s a simple way to impress
and enjoy hearty flavors that bring everyone together.
Remember we’ll always support your kitchen experiments
so dive in and make it your own for unforgettable dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef?
This recipe combines cubed beef chuck roast with sweet cherry wine, fresh cherries, and savory ingredients to create a rich, tangy-sweet dish. It’s perfect for elevating everyday meals or impressing guests, blending hearty beef flavors with the tartness of cherries for a delicious, aromatic result.
What ingredients are needed for the Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef?
You’ll need 2 pounds of cubed beef chuck roast, 1 cup of sweet cherry wine, 1 ½ cups of fresh cherries, 1 medium yellow onion, minced garlic, fresh thyme, low-sodium beef broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. These high-quality ingredients ensure a flavorful blend of sweet and savory notes when prepared correctly.
What tools are required to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a sharp chef’s knife, sturdy cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large skillet, wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, colander or strainer, and an instant-read thermometer. These items promote safety, precision, and ease during preparation.
How do I prepare the Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef?
Start by prepping ingredients: cube the beef, pit cherries, and chop onions and garlic. Marinate the beef in sweet cherry wine mixture for 4-24 hours. Then, sear the beef, deglaze with beef broth, and simmer until tender with a glossy glaze. Follow the steps for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish.
Can I make the Sweet Cherry Wine Recipe for Beef ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance by cubing beef, pitting cherries, and chopping vegetables. Marinate the beef for optimal flavor. Store the cooked dish in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove to maintain taste and safety, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How should I store and reheat this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist, or use the microwave in short bursts. This ensures the beef remains tender and the flavors stay vibrant.