Name: Cinnamon Beef & Pasta Apple Butter Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi); 1 lb beef stew meat or sirloin, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup apple butter; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground allspice or nutmeg (optional); 2 cups beef broth; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Optional garnish: fresh herbs or a dollop of ricotta

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Beef & Pasta Apple Butter Jam is a truly unique and comforting dish that combines tender beef, hearty pasta, and the warm, spiced sweetness of apple butter. Infused with cinnamon and slow-cooked flavor, this savory-sweet blend delivers depth and richness in every bite. It’s perfect for cool evenings, holiday menus, or when you’re looking to impress with something creative and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
– Short pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi)
– Beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
– Olive oil or butter
– Onion, diced
– Garlic, minced
– Apple butter
– Tomato paste
– Cinnamon
– Ground allspice or nutmeg (optional)
– Beef broth
– Salt and black pepper
– Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Optional garnish: fresh herbs or a dollop of ricotta

Directions

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, reduce heat and sauté diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cinnamon, then return beef to the pan. Add apple butter and pour in beef broth to cover the meat. Stir to combine. Simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the beef is tender and sauce is rich. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. Once the beef is tender, combine with the cooked pasta. Simmer briefly to let the flavors meld. If needed, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Serve warm, garnished as desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

– Use ground beef instead of cubes for a quicker version.
– Replace apple butter with applesauce for a lighter texture.
– Try ground cinnamon and clove for deeper spice notes.
– Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a fall twist.
– Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for added greens.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes. This dish also freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. What is apple butter?

Apple butter is a thick, spiced fruit spread made by slow-cooking apples with cinnamon and other spices until deeply caramelized.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes—pork shoulder or ground turkey can work well with similar flavor pairings.

3. Is this dish sweet?

It has a subtle sweetness from apple butter, balanced by savory and spiced components.

4. What pasta shape is best?

Rigatoni or cavatappi hold the sauce well. Avoid very small or delicate shapes.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—replace beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

6. What herbs pair well?

Thyme, rosemary, or sage complement the cinnamon and apple butter beautifully.

7. Is cinnamon overpowering in this dish?

No—a small amount enhances the warmth of the apple butter and complements the beef.

8. How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and simmer until thickened.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown beef first, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with crusty bread, roasted carrots, or a green salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Beef & Pasta Apple Butter Jam is an innovative take on comfort food that brings together spiced, savory, and sweet elements in a surprisingly harmonious way. Perfect for fall or winter, this dish warms from the inside out and offers a bold alternative to traditional pasta meals. Try it once and you’ll be inspired to add more sweet-savory fusion dishes to your repertoire. Ready for the next one?

Cinnamon Beef & Pasta Apple Butter Jam

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Cinnamon Beef & Pasta Apple Butter Jam is a bold, sweet-savory fusion dish featuring tender beef, al dente pasta, and the warm spice of apple butter and cinnamon. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday meals.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Sear beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat and sauté diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cinnamon, then return beef to the pan.
Add apple butter and pour in beef broth to cover. Stir to combine.
Simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour until beef is tender and sauce thickened.
Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Combine cooked pasta with beef and sauce, and simmer briefly to meld flavors.
If needed, thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Serve warm, garnished with herbs or a dollop of ricotta if desired.