Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 1/4 cups strong brewed coffee
• 3 (3- by 1-inch) strips fresh orange zest
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
• 1 (3 1/2-lb) boneless beef chuck roast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Cook onion in oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in coffee, zest, cinnamon stick, and brown sugar, then bring to a simmer. Sprinkle beef all over with salt and pepper, then add to pot. Transfer pot to oven and braise, tightly covered, until meat is very tender, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
3. Skim fat from sauce and discard cinnamon stick.