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Classic German Sauerbraten

A comforting and festive German dish featuring tender beef braised in a rich marinade, served with tangy gingersnap gravy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 2 days 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine Contains alcohol; use beef broth for alcohol-free version
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 10 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 tsp juniper berries Can substitute with crushed coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp whole cloves
For the Beef
  • 1 boneless beef top chuck roast (3 to 4 lb) Best cut for sauerbraten
  • Kosher salt to taste
For the Braise
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
For the Gravy
  • 2 tbsp crushed gingersnap cookies Can substitute with plain breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
  • Spaetzle (or buttered egg noodles)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

Make the Marinade
  1. Combine the beef broth, red wine, red wine vinegar, chopped onion, crushed garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, juniper berries, peppercorns, and whole cloves in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. After that, let it cool completely to room temperature.
Marinate the Beef
  1. Place the beef in a large resealable bag or a non-reactive dish. Pour the cooled marinade over the meat, then refrigerate it for 2 to 3 days, with 48 hours minimum. Turn the beef once a day so the flavor reaches all sides evenly.
Brown and Build the Base
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the beef from the marinade, pat it dry, and season it with salt.
  2. Strain the marinade and keep the liquid, discarding the solids.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pot, brown the beef on all sides, and set it aside.
  4. Next, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until slightly softened.
  5. Stir in the garlic and thyme, then sprinkle in the flour and cook briefly before adding the strained marinade and the remaining beef broth.
Braise Until Tender
  1. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then return the beef to the pot. Cover and braise in the oven for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Finish the Gravy and Serve
  1. Move the beef to a cutting board and simmer the sauce on the stove.
  2. Whisk in the crushed gingersnaps and cook until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Slice the beef thinly against the grain, then serve it with spaetzle, the braised vegetables, and plenty of gravy. Add sour cream if you like, and finish with chopped parsley.

Notes

The flavor improves as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers. Keep in mind to rest the beef before slicing against the grain for tender pieces.