Are you craving a warm, hearty meal that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Beef Stew Pasta recipe! It's a delicious twist on classic beef stew, transforming the familiar flavors into a quick and satisfying pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Forget complicated recipes; this healthy meal is packed with flavor and comes together faster than you think. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step helps develop rich flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Build the Stew Base: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
-
Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the stew simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
-
Combine and Serve: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Stew Pasta:
- For extra richness: Use bone-in beef stew meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Different pasta: Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a serving should contain roughly:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 15-20g
This delicious Beef Stew Pasta recipe is a perfect example of how easy and healthy meals can be. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and elevate your weeknight routine with this comforting and flavorful dish. It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills. This is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.