How to Prepare and Cook Beef Cheek Meat

Beef cheek meat is a hidden gem in the world of slow-cooked dishes. This flavorful and tender cut, derived from the facial muscles of the cow, has been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, especially in Mexican, French, and Italian cooking. If cooked correctly, it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy with rich, deep flavors.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about beef cheek meat, from its history and cultural significance to the best preparation techniques, cooking methods, and delicious recipes. Whether you are a home cook or a professional chef, you will learn how to make the most out of this underrated cut.

What Are Beef Cheeks?

Beef cheeks are the muscles located on either side of a cow’s face, responsible for constant movement while the animal chews. Due to this, they contain a high amount of connective tissue and collagen, making them tough when raw but incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

Because of their rich, beefy flavor and silky texture, beef cheeks are perfect for:

• Slow cooking (braising, stewing, or sous vide)
• Mexican barbacoa (traditional slow-roasted meat)
• French and Italian dishes (boeuf bourguignon, ragu, osso buco alternatives)

Many butchers do not always carry beef cheeks, but you can request them or find them at specialty meat markets.

The Cultural Significance of Beef Cheek Meat

Beef cheek meat has deep roots in traditional cooking across various cultures.

Mexico – Barbacoa de Res

In Mexico, beef cheeks are slow-cooked in an underground pit or pressure-cooked to create barbacoa, a tender and juicy meat used in tacos, burritos, and tamales.

France – Braised Beef Cheeks

The French love to braise beef cheeks in red wine with aromatics, creating a dish similar to boeuf bourguignon.

Italy – Beef Cheek Ragu

Italian cuisine incorporates beef cheeks into ragu sauces, giving pasta dishes a rich, meaty depth.

These traditional methods highlight why beef cheek meat is highly valued in slow-cooked dishes worldwide.

How to Choose and Prepare Beef Cheek Meat

Before cooking beef cheeks, proper preparation is key to achieving maximum tenderness and flavor.

How to Choose the Best Beef Cheeks

• Look for fresh, dark red meat with a firm texture.
• Avoid excessively fatty cuts – beef cheeks should have some marbling but not too much fat.
• Buy from a butcher or specialty store rather than pre-packaged supermarket cuts.

How to Trim and Prepare Beef Cheeks

Most beef cheeks come with a layer of sinew and connective tissue that needs to be trimmed.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Trim off excess fat and sinew using a sharp knife.
2. Keep some connective tissue, as it breaks down during cooking and adds flavor.
3. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel for better browning.

Once prepped, you are ready to season and cook.

Best Cooking Methods for Beef Cheek Meat

Because beef cheeks are tough when raw, they require long, slow cooking to break down their collagen and become tender.

1. Braising (Best for Stews & French Dishes)

• Time: 3-4 hours
• Best for: French-style braised beef cheeks, beef cheek bourguignon

How to Braise Beef Cheeks:

1. Sear the meat in a hot pan until browned.
2. Remove and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in the same pan.
3. Add red wine, beef broth, and herbs (thyme, rosemary).
4. Return beef cheeks, cover, and simmer for 3-4 hours until tender.

2. Slow Cooking (Great for Mexican Barbacoa & Pulled Beef Dishes)

• Time: 6-8 hours (low heat)
• Best for: Barbacoa, shredded beef tacos

How to Slow Cook Beef Cheeks:

1. Season with salt, cumin, oregano, and chipotle peppers.
2. Place in a slow cooker with onions, garlic, and beef broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat shreds easily.

3. Sous Vide (For Ultimate Tenderness & Juiciness)

• Time: 24-48 hours at 165°F (74°C)
• Best for: High-end restaurant-style beef cheeks

How to Sous Vide Beef Cheeks:

1. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
2. Seal in a vacuum bag and cook at 165°F (74°C) for 24-48 hours.
3. Sear quickly before serving for a crispy crust.

4. Pressure Cooking (Fastest Method for Barbacoa & Braised Dishes)

• Time: 60-90 minutes
• Best for: Quick barbacoa or stews

How to Cook in a Pressure Cooker:

1. Brown beef cheeks in the pressure cooker.
2. Add broth, spices, and aromatics.
3. Cook under high pressure for 60-90 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally before serving.

Delicious Beef Cheek Recipes

Traditional Mexican Barbacoa

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef cheek meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. Season beef cheeks with spices.
2. Place in a slow cooker with onions, garlic, and chipotle.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Shred and serve in tacos with cilantro and lime.

French-Style Braised Beef Cheeks

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef cheeks
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Thyme, rosemary

Instructions:

1. Sear beef cheeks and remove from pan.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots.
3. Add wine and broth, then return beef cheeks.
4. Simmer covered for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Cheeks

• Mashed potatoes (great for soaking up braising liquids)
• Rice or tortillas (perfect for barbacoa)
• Polenta (ideal for Italian-style beef cheeks)

Nutritional Benefits of Beef Cheek Meat

In addition to its rich flavor and versatility in cooking, beef cheek meat is also a highly nutritious cut of beef. Since it contains a significant amount of collagen, it provides benefits for joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health. When slow-cooked, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is known to support digestion and promote healthy skin.

Beef cheeks are also high in protein, making them an excellent choice for muscle growth and recovery. They contain essential vitamins and minerals such as:

• Iron – Supports oxygen transport in the blood and helps prevent anemia.
• Zinc – Aids in immune function and wound healing.
• B Vitamins (B12, B6, Niacin, and Riboflavin) – Play a crucial role in energy production and brain function.

Since beef cheek meat is a leaner cut compared to other fatty beef cuts, it offers a balanced option for those looking to enjoy a rich dish while maintaining a nutritious diet. When paired with vegetables, whole grains, or fiber-rich sides, it can be part of a well-rounded and wholesome meal.

By incorporating beef cheeks into your diet, you not only enjoy an incredible depth of flavor but also gain essential nutrients that contribute to overall health.

Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness of Beef Cheek Meat

One of the most overlooked advantages of beef cheek meat is its contribution to sustainable and nose-to-tail cooking. In many commercial meat industries, less popular cuts like beef cheeks are often discarded or underutilized, despite their exceptional flavor and texture. By choosing to cook with beef cheek meat, you are making a more sustainable choice by reducing food waste and appreciating the entire animal.

Additionally, beef cheek meat is often more affordable than premium cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, yet it delivers a similarly rich and satisfying eating experience when cooked properly. Because it requires slow cooking methods, it pairs well with inexpensive ingredients such as root vegetables, beans, and grains, making it an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals without sacrificing taste or quality.

Embracing beef cheek meat not only allows you to explore gourmet flavors at a lower cost but also supports ethical and sustainable cooking practices, making it a win-win for both your kitchen and the environment.

Conclusion

Beef cheek meat is an incredibly flavorful and tender cut when cooked correctly. Whether you prefer braising, slow cooking, sous vide, or pressure cooking, this versatile meat works beautifully in various cuisines.

Now that you know how to prepare and cook beef cheek meat, it is time to experiment with rich, delicious recipes and enjoy this gourmet-quality cut in your own kitchen.