As summer fades and autumn takes hold, the craving for robust and warming dishes intensifies. Spicy Roast Beef perfectly embodies this seasonal shift, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or preparing for a festive gathering, this recipe delivers tender, juicy beef infused with bold spices that elevate the dining experience. Its versatility allows it to be served over rice, nestled in tacos, or as a hearty filling for burritos, making it an essential addition to your autumn recipe collection.
Ingredients for Spicy Roast Beef
THE ROAST
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) unsalted sweet butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) grapeseed oil or another non-flavored oil
- 2 to 3 pounds (900 to 1350 grams) boneless bottom round roast
- Salt, kosher variety, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
THE BRAISE
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) fire-roasted tomatoes with juice, chopped
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to preferred heat level)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons (5 grams) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried basil
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) freshly ground white pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) kosher salt, or to taste
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken stock (not broth)
How to Prepare Spicy Roast Beef
- Prepare the Roast: Begin by placing a rack in the lower position of your oven and preheating it to 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius).
- Season the Beef: Pat the boneless bottom round roast dry using paper towels. Generously sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Sear the Roast: Heat a large roasting pan or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the grapeseed oil and melted butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, give the pan a gentle swirl to mix the oil and butter. Carefully place the seasoned roast into the pan and sear it on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, until a rich brown crust forms.
- Prepare the Braising Liquid: In a separate bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice and apple cider vinegar. Add the chopped fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried basil, freshly ground white pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well to create a robust and flavorful braising liquid.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the roast, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the prepared braising liquid into the same pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom. These bits add depth and richness to the sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the chicken stock to the pan with the braising liquid. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Return the seared roast to the pan, nestling it into the liquid.
- Braise the Beef: Tightly cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil or a lid to trap moisture. Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shredded.
- Monitor and Maintain Moisture: Throughout the braising process, check the roast every hour. If the liquid level decreases and the roast appears dry, add a bit more chicken stock to maintain sufficient moisture, ensuring the beef remains juicy and flavorful.
- Rest the Roast: Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the roast to rest for about ten minutes before shredding. This resting period helps retain the juices within the meat.
- Shred the Beef: Transfer the roast to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the braising liquid, allowing it to soak up additional flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful shredded beef over your choice of accompaniments. Serve it over rice, stuffed into taco shells, or used as a hearty filling for burritos. Accompany the dish with additional braising liquid (au jus) for dipping to enhance the savory experience.
This Spicy Roast Beef recipe is a celebration of autumn’s hearty flavors and comforting textures. The slow braising process ensures that the beef becomes exquisitely tender and infused with a complex blend of spices and smoky chipotle peppers. Its ability to be served in various forms—from traditional over rice to creative taco fillings—makes it an incredibly versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a warm family dinner on a chilly evening or offering a flavorful option at a festive gathering, this spicy roast beef is sure to satisfy and impress. Embrace the robust flavors and comforting warmth of this dish, and let it become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
