Main Course · Dinner · Portuguese · Mediterranean ·

Savory Azorean Alcatra with Wine and Spice

Name: Savory Azorean Alcatra with Wine and Spice
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, 3 lbs — cut into large chunks; Red wine, 1 cup — preferably a rich, dry wine; Olive oil, 1/4 cup; Garlic, 5 cloves — minced; Onion, 1 large — sliced thin; Bay leaves, 3 leaves; Black pepper, 1 tbsp — freshly cracked; Salt, 1 tbsp; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Beef broth, 4 cups; Red wine, 1/2 cup — same as marinade; Tomato paste, 2 tbsp; Cinnamon sticks, 2 sticks; Crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp; Fresh thyme sprigs, About 4 sprigs; All-purpose flour, 3 tbsp; Butter, 3 tbsp

A hearty and aromatic dish featuring beef simmered to perfection with a rich blend of spices, perfect for a cozy dinner gathering.

4.8(542 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 28, 2025

Savory Azorean Alcatra with Wine and Spice — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Beef Marinade

For the Braise

For the Thickening

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 856 kcal
Protein: 49 g
Carbs: 11 g
Fat: 65 g
Fiber: 2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 5138 kcal
Protein: 293 g
Carbs: 64 g
Fat: 388 g
Fiber: 12 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Beef chuck roast 3 lbs — cut into large chunks	3522	280	0	272	0
Red wine 1 cup — preferably a rich, dry wine	214	0	8	0	0
Olive oil 1/4 cup	477	0	0	54	0
Garlic 5 cloves — minced	22	1	5	0	0
Onion 1 large — sliced thin	60	1	14	0	3
Bay leaves 3 leaves	6	0	1	0	1
Black pepper 1 tbsp — freshly cracked	17	0	4	0	2
Salt 1 tbsp	0	0	0	0	0
Olive oil 2 tbsp	238	0	0	27	0
Beef broth 4 cups	40	8	0	0	0
Red wine 1/2 cup — same as marinade	107	0	4	0	0
Tomato paste 2 tbsp	30	1	7	0	2
Cinnamon sticks 2 sticks	12	0	3	0	2
Crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp	6	0	1	0	1
Fresh thyme sprigs About 4 sprigs	1	0	0	0	0
All-purpose flour 3 tbsp	81	2	17	0	1
Butter 3 tbsp	305	0	0	35	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Beef

1
Combine marinade ingredients
In a large bowl, combine beef chunks with red wine, olive oil, minced garlic, sliced onion, bay leaves, black pepper, and salt.
2
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight to intensify flavor.
Tip: Allow the beef to marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3
Rest at room temperature
Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Preparing the Cooking Base

1
Heat oil
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2
Sear beef
Sear marinated beef in batches until browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing to ensure each piece browns evenly.
3
Stir in liquids and spices
Lower the heat and stir in the reserved marinade along with additional 1/2 cup wine, beef broth, tomato paste, cinnamon sticks, and red pepper flakes.
Tip: Add thyme sprigs during the last 45 minutes of braising for an aromatic finish.

How to Make Savory Azorean Alcatra with Wine and Spice

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Braising
Let the beef simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, covered, until tender.
2
Thickening the Sauce
In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, then incorporate into the braising liquid to thicken.
3
Combining
Stir thickened sauce with meat and bring to a gentle simmer for an additional 15 minutes.