Print

Genovese Sauce: Naples’ Best-Kept Secret

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Genovese Sauce is a traditional Neapolitan pasta sauce made by slowly caramelizing onions with beef, herbs, and broth until it becomes rich, silky, and deeply savory. Unlike tomato-based ragù, it develops a naturally sweet, onion-forward flavor and is typically served with hearty pasta like ziti or rigatoni.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian (Neapolitan)
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup beef stock or water
  • 3 cups beef stock (plus more if needed)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 pound ziti or rigatoni pasta
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook onions with a pinch of salt for 40–45 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  2. Add garlic, rosemary, and bay leaves; cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Remove onions and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, brown beef chunks on all sides and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add 1 cup stock and scrape the pot bottom.
  6. Return onions to the pot, add remaining stock, and optional tomato paste.
  7. Simmer gently for about 3 hours until beef is very tender.
  8. Shred beef and return it to the sauce; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  9. Cook pasta until al dente, then toss with sauce and a little pasta water if needed.
  10. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Slow cooking onions is essential for authentic sweetness.
  • The sauce improves in flavor after resting overnight.
  • Keep heat low to avoid burning onions.
  • Use a heavy pot for even heat distribution.
  • Tomato paste is optional and not traditional in many versions.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/genovese-sauce-naples-best-kept-secret/