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Ziti alla Genovese

Ziti alla Genovese: A Cozy Italian Comfort You’ll Love

Ziti alla Genovese is a hearty Italian dish of slow-cooked caramelized onions and tender beef, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil opt for extra virgin for the best taste
  • 2 pounds Beef (Chuck) replace with portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option
  • 3 Onions sliced yellow onions caramelize to perfection
  • 4 cloves Garlic shallots can be a fine substitute if desired
  • 1 cup White Wine Pinot Grigio works wonderfully here
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Ziti Pasta if unavailable, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives
  • Salt and Pepper essential seasonings to brighten the flavors
For Serving
  • Parmesan Cheese complements the dish with a nutty finish
  • Fresh Basil introduces a fragrant herbal note

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ziti alla Genovese
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season 2 pounds of beef chuck with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it's nicely browned. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
  2. In the same pot, add 3 sliced yellow onions and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Return the browned beef to the pot with the caramelized onions. Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any delicious bits stuck to it. Add enough water to cover the beef, then raise the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once bubbling gently, cover and cook for 2 hours on low heat, until the beef is tender.
  4. While the beef simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, following package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. Once the beef is tender, shred it into bite-sized pieces within the pot, mixing it well with the sauce. Add the cooked ziti to the pot, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s richness.

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