Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the rich, hearty flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine with this irresistible Penne com Novilho Guisado. Imagine tender, succulent beef cubes slowly simmered to perfection, nestled among perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the rustic kitchens of Portugal. This isn't just a meal - it's a culinary experience that promises to warm your soul and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cubed
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef into uniform cubes, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Brown the seasoned beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- When meat is tender and sauce has thickened, prepare penne pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta and mix with the beef stew, ensuring pasta is well-coated with the rich sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, select beef chuck or stewing beef with good marbling.
- Browning is Key: Take time to properly brown the meat in batches. This step develops deep, rich flavors that are crucial to the dish's success.
- Low and Slow: The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef is patient, slow cooking. Resist the urge to rush the simmering process.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with seasonings - the oregano, salt, and pepper are what bring this dish to life.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook the penne just until al dente to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the stew.
- Resting Time Matters: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully integrate.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking or garnishing with fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
