Chuck steak has a reputation for being a little tough but this recipe results in a very tender (and very tasty) meaty pasta sauce. It's a great way to use cheaper cuts of beef like chuck steak. It will also work with other cheap cuts but don't compromise on the simmering time. It's essential to let the flavours absorb into each other and tenderize the meat.
Beef Sauce Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 6 Garlic Cloves
- 800g Chuck Steak (cubed)
- Fresh Rosemary, Oregano and Parsley (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons of tomato paste
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 chicken stock cubes
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Pasta Ingredients
- a large pot of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- a pinch of salt
- pasta of choice
For the Topping
- grated parmesan cheese
- cracked pepper
Directions
- Slice and fry the onions in a medium sized pot with olive oil.
- Add the cubed chuck steak and stir with the onions on high heat until light brown.
- Mix the 3/4 cup tomato sauce with 1 cup of water. Add to the pot.
- Mix the 1-2 chicken stock cubes with 1 cup boiling water. Add to the pot.
- Add the other ingredients, cover and simmer on low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally
Once the beef sauce has been simmering for about an hour and a half it's time to prepare the pasta. Any type of fresh or dried pasta can be used. Follow the directions on the packet, boiling until al dente (not too soft) which usually takes 5-15 minutes depending on the type of pasta used. Cook enough pasta for 4-6 servings, drain and set aside.
After two hours of simmering the beef sauce add it to the cooked pasta and mix it all together. Allow it to cool a little before serving into bowls and top with grated parmesan cheese and cracked pepper. Alternatively the beef sauce can be poured on top of the pasta that has already been served into plates.
Many people say this recipe tastes even better the next day once the hearty flavours have absorbed into the pasta. Don't forget to refrigerate overnight. The sauce itself can also be frozen for later use and mixed with freshly cooked pasta after thawing.
The beef sauce recipe is quite versatile. It can also be used as a filling for beef pies or simmered with vegetables and served as a stew with rice or bread. Don't be afraid to experiment and taste test while cooking. It might inspire some new ideas. Happy cooking!
Roly Skender - Roly Skender is a musican, video artist, producer and writer living in Perth, Western Australia. He runs his own project studio, ...
