26 Jaw-Dropping Beef Cheek Recipes To Savor For A Hearty Dinner

Carmen Eldridge

October 24, 2025

Flavoursome beef cheeks have a unique appeal with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible to meat lovers. Although often overlooked, this underrated cut boasts an impressive amount of marbling, making it the perfect choice for achieving juicy results every time. Whether you prefer them slow-cooked in a rich sauce or smoked to perfection, beef cheeks are incredibly versatile and offer endless possibilities when it comes to cooking methods.

From hearty braised dishes to mouth-watering beef tacos, we’ve curated some exceptional beef cheek recipes that can be easily replicated at home, so you’ll never run out of ideas for experimenting with this culinary gem.

Slow Braised Beef Cheek Ragu With Pappardelle

Slow Braised Beef Cheek Ragu With Pappardelle

Velvety and rich, Beef Cheek Ragu is a culinary masterpiece that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds with its intense flavors. The secret lies in the slow-cooked beef cheeks, which are expertly seared before being simmered in a carefully crafted mixture of red wine, beef stock, and tomato paste, along with other exquisite ingredients. This harmonious blend ensures that the meat becomes tender and falls apart effortlessly, while releasing an array of incredible flavors.

When served with pappardelle, this braised beef cheek recipe transforms into a truly satisfying pasta dish that will leave you craving for more. The combination of textures and tastes comes together beautifully, making it an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Slow Cooker Beef Cheeks In Honey, Soy, Garlic Butter Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef Cheeks In Honey, Soy, Garlic Butter Sauce

Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive aspects of this slow cooker beef cheek recipe is its incredible flavor profile. A combination of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder creates a seasoning blend that elevates the dish to new heights. The sauce, comprised of honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar, adds a rich and savory element that perfectly complements the beef cheeks.

As the slow cooker works its magic, aromatics like onions and spices infuse the sauce with depth and complexity, resulting in a truly unforgettable taste experience. When served alongside steamed rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite and a staple in your meal rotation.

Beef Cheeks With Parmesan Polenta

Beef Cheeks With Parmesan Polenta

Kickstarting with a hearty and amazingly delicious dish, you’ve got to check out this fantastic Beef Cheeks with Parmesan Polenta recipe! The slow-cooking process involves simmering the beef cheeks in a rich mixture of beef stock, red wine, aromatics, and herbs for an extended period. This labor-of-love approach ensures that the beef cheeks are incredibly flavorsome and so tender that they practically fall apart easily when serving.

Paired with a creamy and buttery Parmesan polenta, it’s a wholesome dish that you can enjoy any day of the week, providing a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The lovely taste will undoubtedly have you adding this to your list of favorite beef cheek recipes!

Beef Cheek Birria Taco

Beef Cheek Birria Taco

Just imagine sinking your teeth into incredibly delicious Beef Cheek Birria Tacos that are so flavorful and mouthwatering, you’ll be craving them for your next Taco Tuesday! The secret to their irresistible taste lies in the marinade, which combines an expert blend of Mexican chilies, chipotle peppers, aromatics, beer, and other delectable ingredients. This bold fusion not only adds immense flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it incredibly palatable.

When you add the finishing touches with fresh herbs, simmering them until tender, you’ll unlock a depth of complexity that elevates these tacos to a whole new level. Whether served with warm tortillas or enjoyed as a standalone dish, Beef Cheek Birria Tacos are sure to become your new favorite culinary obsession.

Beef Cheeks And Hummus

Beef Cheeks And Hummus

Just like a fine wine, this beef cheek recipe is one that will only improve with age – its rich flavors and tender texture are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. The process of cooking it is straightforward: the beef is seared in a hot skillet to create a nice crust, then slow-cooked in a mixture of red wine, tomato purée, onions, leeks, and carrots until it’s fall-apart tender.

When served with a side of creamy hummus, the combination of flavors is nothing short of amazing – every bite is a masterclass in culinary perfection. Don’t be discouraged if this recipe takes a bit longer to prepare than you’re used to; trust us when we say that the end result is well worth the wait.

Beef Cheek, Pancetta And Mushroom Pies

Beef Cheek, Pancetta And Mushroom Pies

Among the many types of pastries available, these particular pies stand out for their exceptional taste and versatility. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, tea time, or any other moment of the day, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender and flavorful meat, savory pancetta, and a mix of mushrooms creates an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more with every bite.

The addition of crisp and buttery pastry is the perfect finishing touch, making these pies impossible to resist. Give them a try and we guarantee you won’t regret it!

Braised Beef Cheeks With Shallot Jus

Braised Beef Cheeks With Shallot Jus

Unlock the flavors of your next meal with our exceptional beef cheek recipes, crafted to create an unforgettable dining experience. The beef cheeks are slow-cooked in a rich mixture of vegetables, red wine, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that is sure to impress.

To elevate this dish further, a fragrant shallot jus is added as a topping, while serving the beef cheeks atop creamy mashed potatoes creates a wholesome and satisfying meal that will delight everyone. This recipe is an excellent addition to your meal rotation, offering a delicious way to indulge in tender and juicy beef cheeks.

Asian Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks

Asian Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks

Pair your next meal with an Asian twist using these delectable slow-cooked beef cheeks that boast tender and incredibly flavorful texture. The beef cheeks are simmered in a rich mixture of hoisin sauce, kecap manis, soy sauce, cooking wine, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a depth of flavors that is both bold and tantalizing. With the oven doing most of the heavy lifting by baking them until tender, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to become a new favorite!

When served alongside carrot purée and a zesty dipping sauce made from blending garlic, chili, and green onions, it’s a culinary experience that’s nothing short of divine. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or adventurous, this heavenly dish is definitely worth trying!

Authentic Beef Cheek Barbacoa (Instant Pot)

Authentic Beef Cheek Barbacoa (Instant Pot)

Just imagine sinking your teeth into a tender and juicy piece of beef cheek, slow-cooked in an instant pot with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs that include cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. The result is a mouthwatering barbacoa that’s an absolute must-try dish in our opinion! The cooking process under pressure makes the meat incredibly tender and succulent, just melting in your mouth.

To elevate this dish to new heights, simply wrap warm tortillas around generous portions of cooked beef, add a dollop of fresh pico de gallo, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa, and you’ll have a truly unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household. And the best part? You’ll be devouring these delicious barbacoas like there’s no tomorrow!

Sweet Soy Braised Beef Cheeks With Mango Salad

Sweet Soy Braised Beef Cheeks With Mango Salad

Vibrant Asian-inspired braised beef cheeks are sure to elevate your next meal into an exceptional dining experience, no matter what day of the week it may be. The complex flavor profile of this dish stems from a harmonious blend of ingredients, including rich beef stock, the aromatic essence of lemongrass and star anise, the sweetness of kecap manis, and the depth added by various aromatics.

Paired with a refreshing mango salad, its dressing comprising sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sugar, this dish is nothing short of mouth-watering for those who appreciate bold flavors.

Beef Daube

Beef Daube

Tantalize your taste buds with an incredibly delicious beef daube, packed with bold flavors that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates! Typically, this French-inspired dish is prepared by marinating the beef cheeks overnight in a rich red wine mixture, which is then braised in a medley of vegetables, orange juice, prunes, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs. The result is tender, fall-apart meat that’s bursting with flavor.

To take it to the next level, the braising sauce is carefully puréed for a silky texture before being combined with the meat again to serve alongside your favorite carbs, elevating any meal to new heights.

Smoked Beef Cheeks

Smoked Beef Cheeks

Crafting mouth-watering dishes in your smoker is a delight, and this Smoked Beef Cheeks recipe is no exception. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but the end result is simply irresistible! To get started, you’ll need to grab your favorite beef rub and generously season the beef cheek meat before smoking it at 275°F (135°C). The low heat will break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy.

Next, you’ll want to braise the meat in a mixture of beer, butter, and brown sugar until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and flavor. What you’ll love most about this recipe is how easily the meat falls apart when cooked correctly, and the depth of flavor is truly superb. For even more smoky goodness, be sure to check out our Pit Boss Smoker recipes!

Slow Cooked Beef Cheek Casserole

Slow Cooked Beef Cheek Casserole

Taking your culinary skills to the next level is easier than you think, especially with a simple casserole recipe that yields incredibly delicious beef perfect for a hearty meal. The combination of tender beef, red wine, sautéed onion, carrot, celery, garlic, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

The best part about this recipe is that the oven does most of the cooking, making it incredibly easy to prepare when planning an impressive meal for your family. Simply toss all the ingredients together and let the oven work its magic – it’s as effortless as it gets! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this dish is sure to become a new favorite after just one try. You can’t go wrong with such a mouth-watering combination of flavors!

Beef Cheek Barbacoa

Beef Cheek Barbacoa

Taking your meals to the next level has never been easier than with an amazing barbacoa dish that boasts incredible flavors and requires minimal effort. Tossed in a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper, the cheeks are carefully placed in a savory beef broth and topped with onions and bay leaves, all wrapped snugly in foil to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly overnight.

The result of this slow-cooking process is tender and mouthwatering meat that’s simply divine when paired with warm tortillas for a simple yet utterly satisfying meal. Trust us, you won’t believe how effortless it is to create something this delectable!

Beef Cheeks With Herbed Sauce

Beef Cheeks With Herbed Sauce

Here’s one dish that definitely deserves our attention: tender beef with a savory green herbed sauce that’s incredibly delicious! The combination of seared beef cheeks, cooked with an assortment of vegetables, herbs, tomato paste, beef stock, red wine, and sherry, yields a rich flavor profile. When you top it off with a herbed sauce made by blending garlic with oil, mint leaves, and parsley leaves, the dish is elevated to new heights, leaving you craving more as the aroma fills your senses.

To make this meal even more satisfying, consider serving it alongside a side of creamy potato purée for a comforting and wholesome experience that’s sure to please.

Sous Vide Beef Cheeks

Sous Vide Beef Cheeks

Looking at the versatility of sous vide machines, one recipe stands out as a game-changer: slow-cooked beef cheeks that are always tender and flavorful. The process is simple yet impressive – simply place the beef in a vacuum-sealed pouch with some aromatic rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves, and seasonings. Then let the machine do its magic for 48 hours in a water bath, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors.

After the long cooking time, sear the beef to give it a nice crust, which adds texture and visual appeal. The result is well worth the wait – an effortless yet mouth-watering meal that’s sure to become a favorite! And with the sous vide machine handling most of the work, you can enjoy this delightful dish without much fuss. Once you taste how consistently delicious beef cheeks can be when cooked sous vide style, you’ll likely find yourself making it again before too long!

Beef Minestrone Soup

Beef Minestrone Soup

Savoring the rich flavors of Italy, our Beef Minestrone Soup is a hearty comfort food dish that’s sure to become one of your favorite beef cheek recipes! Made by simmering a combination of delightful ingredients such as red wine, vegetables, crispy bacon, tomato paste, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this soup is a treat for the taste buds.

The tender beef and fresh vegetables work together in perfect harmony to provide an abundance of nutrients and complex flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Serve with some crusty homemade bread on the side to mop up every last drop of this delicious minestrone soup!

Cocoa-Braised Beef Cheeks

Cocoa-Braised Beef Cheeks

Culinary enthusiasts, get ready for a taste adventure like no other! These braised beef cheeks are an absolute must-try, boasting a rich and complex flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. The key to their incredible taste lies in the slow-cooked mixture of red wine, cocoa powder, carrot, onion, celery, and tomatoes, which all come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.

With each bite, the bold flavors melt in your mouth, coating your tongue with an unparalleled depth of flavor. This heavenly dish is one you won’t want to miss out on – it’s a true culinary masterpiece!

Beef Cheek Chilli

Beef Cheek Chilli

Looking for a delicious twist on traditional chili recipes? Look no further! This tasty beef cheeks chili is a game-changer. The combination of tender beef, bell pepper, kidney beans, chipotle chili, adobo sauce, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Paired with a dollop of sour cream and homemade salsa, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Beef Cheek Burgers With Mushroom Mayo & Pickles

Beef Cheek Burgers With Mushroom Mayo & Pickles

Beef Cheek Burgers With Mushroom Mayo & Pickles
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Instructions

Very often, a rich and flavorful beef cheek dish requires some prep work to get the perfect tender meat. To begin with, remove any excess fat and connective tissues from the beef cheeks, making sure they are properly cleaned. At the same time, prepare the other ingredients needed for the recipe. Next, heat a large pot over high heat and add a little olive oil. Season the beef with salt on both sides before searing it in the hot pan to get a nice caramelization on all sides.

Set the meat aside once it’s done. Then, add a bit more oil to the same pan and sauté diced onion, celery, and carrots until they start to soften. After that, add tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to remove any raw taste. To deglaze the pot, pour in some red wine, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Once the liquid has reduced slightly, lower the heat and add the remaining ingredients (such as garlic, thyme, cloves, bay leaves, and peppercorns).

Return the beef cheeks to the pot along with enough water to cover them completely. A touch of salt is all that’s needed for seasoning, so add a pinch to the liquid and cover the pot with a lid. Turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 2½ hours, occasionally stirring and turning the meat to ensure even cooking. If necessary, top up with water during this time. The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and almost falling apart. Serve over mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:Yield: 4Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 904Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 247mgSodium: 334mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 76gNutrition information is only an estimate and can vary depending on ingredients used.

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