Savory Genovese Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into small cubes 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into small cubes
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig of rosemary 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
2. 2.
   Add the carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef cubes. Brown the meat on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
5. 5.
   Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly.
6. 6.
   Add the beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. 8.
   Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
9. 9.
   Serve the Genovese meat sauce over your favorite pasta or accompaniment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck — Choose a well-marbled cut of beef chuck for maximum tenderness in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the simmering process.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Genovese meat sauce generously over al dente pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, for a classic Italian experience. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal aroma. Serve the sauce in a rustic ceramic bowl or on a large platter to showcase its rich color and inviting aroma.