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Braising Steak - Diced Beef
For proper comfort cooking, reach for diced chuck. This working-muscle cut is laced with connective tissue that melts as it cooks, turning your pot into tender beef with a naturally glossy sauce—no thickeners needed. We dice the chuck into even pieces so it browns well and braises evenly. Perfect for hearty stews, casseroles, steak and ale pies and slow-cooked curries. Give it a good sear, add aromatics and stock (or ale/red wine), then let the oven or slow cooker do the rest.
Why you’ll love it
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Classic braising cut that cooks meltingly tender
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Even dice for reliable browning and steady cooking
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Naturally rich sauce thanks to collagen and marrowy flavour
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Versatile: stews, casseroles, ragù, pies and curries
Cut details
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From the chuck/shoulder
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Supplied diced into chunky, braise-friendly pieces (size can vary)
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Fresh, never previously frozen (unless stated on pack)
How to cook (quick guide)
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Pat dry and season generously.
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Brown in a hot pan with a little oil until well coloured.
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Add onions, carrots, celery and garlic; deglaze with ale, red wine or stock.
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Oven braise: 160°C (fan 140°C) 2½–3½ hours, covered, until fork-tender.
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Slow cooker: Low 6–8 hours (or High 4–5 hours) until tender.
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Pressure cooker: 35–55 mins at pressure; natural release.
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Reduce the liquor to your liking and finish with fresh herbs.
Food safety: Cook until piping hot and tender throughout. Cool leftovers quickly; reheat until steaming.
Serving ideas
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Beef & ale stew with buttery mash and greens
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Boeuf bourguignon with mushrooms and bacon
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Steak and ale pie under crisp puff pastry
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Slow-cooked curry with fluffy rice and naan
Storage & handling
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Keep refrigerated below 5°C
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Once opened, cook within 1 day
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Suitable for home freezing on the day of purchase; defrost in the fridge and use within 24 hours
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Do not refreeze once defrosted
FAQs
What’s the difference between diced chuck and generic stewing steak?
Chuck has more connective tissue, which breaks down to a richer, silkier sauce.
Do I need to trim it?
We trim for tidy pieces. Any remaining sinew softens during a long braise.
Should I coat it in flour before browning?
Optional. Flour helps thicken sauces, but you can thicken later by reducing the liquor.
Can I cook it from frozen?
Defrost in the fridge first for safe, even cooking.