Delicious Oven-Baked Beef with Prunes: A Tender and Flavorful Feast
Discover the secret to making melt-in-your-mouth oven-baked beef with prunes. This easy recipe combines tender beef, sweet and tangy prunes, and perfectly cooked vegetables for an unforgettable dish ideal for any special occasion.
This dish is truly exceptional! The beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy, enhanced by the subtle sweetness and tang of prunes. Oven-baked to perfection, the meat and vegetables blend seamlessly to create a rich, aromatic meal that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Total preparation and cooking time: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Step 1:
Start by selecting fresh, young beef tenderloin without tendons for the best tenderness and flavor. Rinse the meat thoroughly, ideally soaking it in cold water for a couple of hours to remove any blood. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces—the smaller the pieces, the quicker the cooking. Rinse the cut pieces once more and drain well.
Step 2:
Prepare the prunes by selecting pitted varieties. Rinse them under cold water, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes to soften. Clean the carrots thoroughly, peel them, and cut into small cubes, strips, or rounds based on your preference—smaller pieces will ensure they cook to a soft texture. Peel the onion and slice into half rings.
Step 3:
Place the beef pieces in a dry, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Cover and cook in their own juices for about 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking until all the liquid evaporates. This technique ensures exceptionally tender and juicy beef.
Step 4:
Add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet and continue cooking the beef on low heat. Stir occasionally to brown the meat evenly. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes. For tips on selecting the best cooking oils and pans, check our related article linked below.
Step 5:
Transfer the browned beef to a greased baking dish. For guidance on choosing the perfect baking dish, refer to the link provided at the end of this recipe.
Step 6:
Layer the softened prunes over the beef. If the prunes are large, feel free to cut them into halves or quarters for balanced distribution.
Step 7:
Using the same skillet and oil, sauté the carrots until tender. Add them to the baking dish over the beef and prunes.
Step 8:
Sauté the sliced onions in the skillet until translucent. Spread them evenly over the other ingredients in the baking dish.
Step 9:
Pour filtered water into the dish until the contents are just covered. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce almost completely. Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust accordingly. For insights on oven management, see the link at the end of this guide.
Step 10:
Your oven-baked beef with prunes is now ready to serve! Plate the dish and enjoy a savory, tender meal that's sure to impress. Bon appétit!
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