Introduction: Spaghetti with Braised Beef and Tomato Sauce is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef and rich, flavorful tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. The beef is braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or any occasion that calls for a satisfying, home-cooked meal. It’s an elevated take on classic spaghetti, offering deep flavors and a filling, satisfying experience.
Ingredients:
For the braised beef:
1 1/2 lbs beef chuck roast (or another braising cut)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (optional, or use beef broth)
2 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the tomato sauce:
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the spaghetti:
1 lb spaghetti
Salt for the pasta water
Instructions:
Braised beef: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and return the beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf and set the beef aside.
Tomato sauce: While the beef is braising, make the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes to deepen in flavor.
Combine the beef and sauce: Once the beef is shredded, add it to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.
Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the braised beef and tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
Description:
Spaghetti with Braised Beef and Tomato Sauce is a rich and savory dish that transforms simple pasta into something extraordinary. The beef, slow-braised in a flavorful broth and wine, becomes tender and succulent, while the tomato sauce adds a tangy, herbaceous contrast. The combination of slow-cooked meat and rich tomato sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, making each bite a comforting and satisfying experience. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a special meal for loved ones.
Tips:
If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with beef broth or water for a more straightforward flavor.
For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce before mixing in the beef.
Braising the beef a day ahead can intensify the flavors. Store the beef and sauce in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Make sure to reserve some pasta water when draining the spaghetti to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Skip the beef and replace it with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can add some plant-based protein (like lentils) for texture.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle some fresh chili on top for a kick of heat.
Herb variation: Instead of oregano and basil, try fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves for a different herbal profile.
Correction:
If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. Alternatively, you can mash some of the braised vegetables into the sauce for more body.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your hearty Spaghetti with Braised Beef and Tomato Sauce with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad. It’s the perfect meal to savor and share, offering the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking in every bite!