Cozy Fall Recipes

At Alisal Ranch, fall is all about comfort, good food, and enjoying the change of season. Whether you’re joining us at the ranch or cooking at home, we want to share a little of that magic with you.  These recipes will bring the cozy feel of our luxury dude ranch right into your kitchen—or even better, enjoy them with us at the ranch this season!

Braised Beef Cheek Pasta

This hearty pasta dish combines tender, slow-braised beef cheeks with a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s perfect for cool fall evenings. If you love bold, rustic flavors, this is a must-try.

Ingredients:

-1 ½ lbs. Beef Cheeks

-1 White Onion, diced

-5 Cloves Garlic, smashed

-½ cup Carrots, diced

-1 cup Red Wine

-1 pint Beef Stock

-2 tbsp. Grapeseed Oil

-400 grams Crushed Tomatoes

-100 grams Tomato Paste

-2 Bay Leaves

-Paccheri Pasta (or your favorite pasta)

-Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

-Chopped Parsley

-Salt & Pepper

-Crème Fraiche (for garnish)

Instructions:

1.Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the beef cheeks. Pat them dry and season with salt and pepper.

2.Sear the Beef: Heat the grapeseed oil in a large pot over high heat. Sear the beef cheeks on all sides, then set them aside.

3.Cook the Veggies: In the same pot, sauté the carrots and onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4.Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid evaporates. Then add the tomato paste and cook for 3 more minutes.

5.Deglaze with Wine: Add the red wine, cooking until it reduces by half.

6.Slow Cook: Add the beef cheeks back to the pot with the bay leaves and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Place in a 300°F oven for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

7.Shred the Beef: Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and shred. Simmer the leftover liquid on the stove until it thickens into a sauce.

8.Cook the Pasta: Boil the paccheri pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

9.Mix it Up: Toss the cooked pasta with the beef sauce in a large pan. Stir until everything is coated well.

10.Serve: Top with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a dollop of crème fraiche.

While these recipes give you a taste of Alisal Ranch at home, there’s nothing like enjoying them right here with us. This fall, why not plan a visit to the ranch? Book your fall getaway and experience what makes our California resort one-of-a-kind. Good food and a warm welcome—just like family. We’ve got a spot waiting for you, so come on out and enjoy some real ranch living. See you soon!