If you’re searching for a show-stopping meal that captures both the sweet and savory magic of Eastern European cuisine, look no further than Beef Tzimmes. This heartwarming stew is beloved for good reason: fork-tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a blend of dried fruits come together in a subtly spiced sauce, creating a dish that tastes festive but feels like the ultimate comfort food. Beef Tzimmes is a brilliant centerpiece for holidays, Shabbat, or anytime you want to dazzle your family with layers of rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Beef Tzimmes so special is how a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients can transform into a dish bursting with deep, nuanced flavor. Every component—from the beef to the dried fruits and spices—plugs in with its own role, contributing either richness, sweetness, or vibrant color.
- Beef brisket or chuck roast (2 lbs): The heart of the dish, these cuts create melt-in-your-mouth bites after braising.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing the beef; helps lock in those beautiful savory flavors.
- Large onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the savory base.
- Carrots (3 large, peeled and cut): Bring color, crunch, and a natural sweetness to the Tzimmes.
- Sweet potatoes (2, peeled and chunked): Their earthy sweetness turns gorgeously creamy in the stew.
- Pitted prunes (1 cup): Essential for that signature subtle, dark fruit sweetness.
- Dried apricots (1/2 cup): Offer zingy tart notes that balance out the savory richness.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Lends a delicate kiss of floral sweetness, tying the flavors together.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): The liquid gold that braises everything to tender perfection.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Adds brightness and a citrusy contrast that keeps things lively.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms up the whole pot with fragrant, cozy spice.
- Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle, peppery kick and enhances the sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for lifting every other flavor in the mix.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, optional): Sprinkled over the finished dish for a fresh, colorful touch.
How to Make Beef Tzimmes
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides—don’t rush this part! Aim for a gorgeous brown crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is the key to building deep, roasted flavors that make Beef Tzimmes unforgettable.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once the beef is beautifully browned, transfer the pieces out of the pot and set them aside. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions will soften and turn slightly golden, scooping up all those delicious browned bits left over from the beef. This makes your stew base even more flavorful.
Step 3: Build the Stew
Return the seared beef to the pot and pile on the carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, and dried apricots. Each new ingredient sets up another layer of flavor and color. The sweet root vegetables and fruits not only give Beef Tzimmes its signature taste but also make every spoonful gorgeously vibrant.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey, beef broth, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, additional salt, and pepper. Pour this fragrant mixture over the beef and vegetables in the pot. The moment it all comes together, you’ll notice a hint of citrus and spice drifting through your kitchen—pure magic!
Step 5: Braise in the Oven
Bring the mix to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then cover the Dutch oven with its lid and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Your patience will be rewarded as the beef transforms into something silky-tender and the sauce thickens, with all the flavors fusing in the most delightful, aromatic way.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove your Beef Tzimmes from the oven. Before serving, sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley if you like—it adds a perky pop of color and a little freshness to balance the richness. Now, scoop generous servings onto plates and savor every sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth bite!
How to Serve Beef Tzimmes
Garnishes
A simple shower of fresh chopped parsley brings brightness and a hint of herbal lift, making each bowl of Beef Tzimmes as eye-catching as it is delicious. Some people also love scattering a few extra sliced apricots or toasted slivered almonds for textural contrast—the choice is yours!
Side Dishes
This hearty stew is wonderfully filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with pillowy challah bread or fluffy couscous to mop up the sauce. For an extra comforting touch, serve with a crisp green salad or a tangy cabbage slaw to balance the dish’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider piling the Beef Tzimmes onto a large serving platter, surrounding it with roasted carrots or baby potatoes for a festive centerpiece. Individual ramekins or mini Dutch ovens also make for a dramatic, dinner-party-worthy presentation—fun, elegant, and totally delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef Tzimmes truly shines as leftovers; the flavors meld and deepen overnight. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll taste even more luxurious the next day. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, let Beef Tzimmes cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Label and date them, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Return Beef Tzimmes to a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally and heat through until piping hot. Alternatively, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for a comforting and speedy meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef Tzimmes?
Absolutely! While brisket and chuck roast are traditional for their tenderness and flavor, you can experiment with short ribs or stew meat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as leaner cuts can dry out more quickly.
What makes Beef Tzimmes different from other beef stews?
It’s that beautiful combination of sweet dried fruits, root vegetables, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice that set Beef Tzimmes apart, giving it a distinctively rich, festive, and slightly sweet profile rarely found in everyday stews.
Can I make Beef Tzimmes in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the beef and sauté the onions as directed, then assemble everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is meltingly tender.
Is Beef Tzimmes gluten-free?
Beef Tzimmes is naturally gluten-free, as long as your beef broth and other ingredients don’t contain any additives containing gluten. Always double-check your labels if you have sensitivities or allergies.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your Beef Tzimmes sauce seems a bit thin after cooking, simply place the pot on the stovetop uncovered and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. The flavors will become even more concentrated and delicious!
Final Thoughts
Beef Tzimmes is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and togetherness. Nothing brings people to the table like a pot of this sweet-smoky, fork-tender stew. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing Beef Tzimmes as I do, and that it becomes a tradition in your own home. Happy cooking!
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Beef Tzimmes Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Beef Tzimmes is a traditional Jewish sweet beef stew, featuring tender beef brisket or chuck roast cooked with carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, and apricots in a flavorful broth with hints of honey and spices. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Tzimmes:
- 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven and sear the seasoned beef until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook the vegetables: Cook chopped onion in the pot, then return beef to the pot with carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, and apricots.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together honey, beef broth, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beef is tender. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Tzimmes tastes even better the next day.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
