Pasta with beef

Delicious Beef Pasta Recipe – A Family Indulgence

Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 400-500 g beef chuck
- 1 large onion
- 500 ml vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup olive oil
- 500 ml tomato juice (or tomato puree)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme (to preference)
- Oregano (optional, about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 package of tagliatelle (or spaghetti)

Introduction to the recipe's history:

Beef pasta is a classic recipe often found in kitchens around the world. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, each adding their own personal touch. It is a perfect example of comfort food, bringing the family together around the table, and its inviting aroma will surely bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Food cooked with love is always tastier!

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the meat:

Start by placing the beef chuck in a large pot. Add 500 ml of vegetable broth or water and let it simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid so that the meat cooks evenly and remains juicy. It will take about 1 hour for the meat to become tender. In the meantime, you can prepare the ingredients for the sauce.

2. Cooking the pasta:

In another pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, then add the tagliatelle (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, they boil for about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

3. Preparing the sauce:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes golden and almost melted. It is essential to stir occasionally, and to enhance its flavor, you can add a tablespoon of hot vegetable broth as the onion cooks.

4. Adding the tomatoes:

Once the onion is ready, add the thick tomato juice. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and if you like, oregano. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.

5. Processing the meat:

When the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a knife or food processor to chop it finely. You can achieve a smooth paste, which will help it integrate evenly into the sauce.

6. Combining the ingredients:

Add the chopped meat to the tomato sauce and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Final assembly:

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet and mix well until the pasta is completely coated with the sauce. Transfer everything to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. This step will help combine the flavors and create a delicious crust.

8. Serving:

Remove the dish from the oven and serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan or mozzarella, as preferred. A garnish of freshly chopped parsley will add a note of freshness.

Practical tips and variations:

- If you don't have beef chuck, you can use ground beef or any other cut of meat you like.
- You can add vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots or bell peppers, to enhance the nutritional value.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a light salad and a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner.
- If you want to add a spicy note, you can add chili flakes to the sauce.

Nutritional information:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the beef and provides carbohydrates from the pasta, offering a hearty lunch or dinner. Additionally, using fresh tomatoes or tomato puree adds essential antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative and adds fiber to the dish.
- What can I do if I don't have vegetable broth? You can use plain water or vegetable bouillon to add flavor.
- How can I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Once you've tried this beef pasta recipe, I'm sure it will become a favorite in your family, just as it has in mine. Enjoy your meal!