What It Looks Like

• A braising pan is a large, flat-bottom pan with high sides to hold large cuts of meat such as a roast. The braising pan typically has two side handles to make moving the pan from cooktop to oven easier. Braising pans also have a lid for simmering food without losing moisture.

How It's Used

• You use a braising pan for recipes that require large or small pieces of meat to be browned and then cooked along with other ingredients. Common recipes made in a braising pan include pot roasts, stews and pasta sauce.

Why It Works

• The advantages of a braising pan include simplicity and economy. Meals prepared with a braising pan are simple, as the cooking is done in one pan and after browning the meat little is required of the cook. The process of simmering meat in a braising pan makes tougher and less expensive cuts of meat more tender and flavorful.