Peposo is a traditional Tuscan dish made with tender beef, red wine and plenty of black pepper. This Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef Recipe is rich, flavorful and perfect for a cozy dinner.
The beef becomes soft and juicy after slow cooking, absorbing all the spices and wine. Learning how to make Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef is easier than you think.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy an authentic Italian meal at home. This recipe is hearty, comforting and full of rustic flavors. Once you try it, it will become a favorite dinner recipe for your family.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made Peposo on a weekend for a family lunch. The kitchen smelled amazing as the beef simmered slowly. My family loved the tender meat and spicy, rich sauce.
I was surprised how easy it was to make, despite its deep flavor. Every bite was full of Tuscan charm. Now, I make this dish whenever I want a simple but impressive dinner. It pairs perfectly with warm bread and a glass of red wine.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Stove and oven (optional for slow cooking)
Ingredients You Need for Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp whole black peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
Cut beef into 2-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Set aside for seasoning. - Season with Pepper
Crush peppercorns lightly. Rub the beef cubes with salt and pepper evenly. - Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Brown beef on all sides until golden and fragrant. - Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Add minced garlic and optional tomato paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. - Pour in Red Wine
Add red wine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and blend flavors. - Add Broth and Rosemary
Pour in beef broth and add rosemary sprig. Make sure liquid covers at least half the beef. - Simmer Slowly
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2.5–3 hours until beef is tender. - Check and Stir Occasionally
Stir the stew every 30 minutes. Add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking. - Taste and Adjust
Taste sauce. Adjust salt or pepper as needed. Remove rosemary before serving. - Serve Warm
Serve the beef hot in bowls with sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy authentic Tuscan flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use beef chuck for soft, tender meat after long cooking.
- Crush black pepper slightly, do not grind too fine.
- Slow cooking is key for authentic flavor.
- Add more broth if the sauce reduces too much.
- Serve immediately or reheat gently for leftovers.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef with warm crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors perfectly. You can garnish with extra rosemary or freshly cracked black pepper for presentation.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Polenta
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Fresh green salad
- Crusty Italian bread
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat. You can also freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into cubes
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp whole black peppercorns crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp tomato paste optional
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Cut beef into 2-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Set aside for seasoning.
Season with Pepper
- Crush peppercorns lightly. Rub the beef cubes with salt and pepper evenly.
Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Brown beef on all sides until golden and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
- Add minced garlic and optional tomato paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
Pour in Red Wine
- Add red wine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and blend flavors.
Add Broth and Rosemary
- Pour in beef broth and add rosemary sprig. Make sure liquid covers at least half the beef.
Simmer Slowly
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2.5–3 hours until beef is tender.
Check and Stir Occasionally
- Stir the stew every 30 minutes. Add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste sauce. Adjust salt or pepper as needed. Remove rosemary before serving.
Serve Warm
- Serve the beef hot in bowls with sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy authentic Tuscan flavor.
Notes
- Use beef chuck for soft, tender meat after long cooking.
- Crush black pepper slightly, do not grind too fine.
- Slow cooking is key for authentic flavor.
- Add more broth if the sauce reduces too much.
- Serve immediately or reheat gently for leftovers.
FAQs about Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef
Q1: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can use brisket or short ribs, but cooking time may vary to achieve tenderness.
Q2: Is red wine necessary for this recipe?
Red wine adds flavor and depth, but you can replace it with extra beef broth if needed.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
Q4: How spicy is this dish?
Peposo has a gentle heat from black pepper. Adjust amount to suit your taste.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the stew?
Yes, carrots or onions can be added in the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef Recipe is simple, hearty and full of authentic Italian flavors. Learning how to make Peposo Tuscan Braised Beef is easy with these steps.
With tender beef, rich sauce and fragrant spices, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Follow this recipe, enjoy the cooking process, and savor every bite of this rustic Tuscan classic.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
