Introducing the Perfect Comfort Food: Cavatappi and Beef
When it comes to hearty and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with the comforting combination of tender beef and flavorful pasta. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe for Cavatappi and Beef that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This dish features succulent beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over twirls of cavatappi pasta for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Serve:
- Once the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cooked cavatappi pasta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach would all be delicious additions to the beef sauce.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top of the finished dish before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
For a keto and low carb version of this recipe, simply substitute the cavatappi pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of tomato paste to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
With its hearty beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and twirls of pasta, Cavatappi and Beef is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So, give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself
Adding Depth of Flavor:
To elevate the taste of this dish even further, consider incorporating some additional ingredients and cooking techniques:
- Herb Infusion: Infuse the beef sauce with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves. Simply tie the herbs together with kitchen twine and add them to the sauce while it simmers. This will impart a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Wine Reduction: For an extra layer of richness, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the other ingredients. The wine will add complexity and acidity to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter and more intense flavor, caramelize the onions before adding them to the beef mixture. Cook the onions slowly over low heat until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet taste. This will add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve the Cavatappi and Beef with crusty garlic bread or garlic knots on the side. The bread will soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to each bite.
- Side Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will contrast beautifully with the rich and savory flavors of the main course.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this hearty dish with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine’s bold flavors and tannins will complement the richness of the beef sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
Cavatappi and Beef is a classic comfort food dish that is both satisfying and delicious. With its tender beef, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that will leave everyone coming back for more!
