Mel-High Shredded Beef

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Mel-High Shredded Beef to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Mel-High Shredded Beef, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
• 3 pounds beef chuck roast or round steak
• vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups beef broth or bouillon
• 1 clove garlic -- minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 drops hot pepper sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• "This recipe is a standby we've fed to many a branding crew. It's hearty and filling - important requirements when you're feeding a bunch of cowboys!" - Betty Sitzman In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil on both sides. Add onion and celery when meat is almost browned. Add broth; cover and simmer 3-4 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat; cool and shred. Drain vegetables, reserving 1 1/2 cups broth. Skim off any fat. Return the meat, vegetables and broth to Dutch oven; add the remaining ingredients. Simmer until heated through. This keeps well in a slow cooker on low heat. Remove bay leaf before serving. From: "Prize-Winning Beef" Recipe booklet.

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

From the recipe files of Carole Walberg