Meat Sauce

Name: Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1½ pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon sugar; ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); ¼ cup red wine; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can); 2 cups tomato sauce; 2 bay leaves; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

March 1, 2025

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Meat sauce is one of those timeless recipes that brings a little comfort to the table, no matter the occasion. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture this: a warm pot simmering on the stove, the aroma of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs wafting through the kitchen. Doesn’t that just make your mouth water? Whether you’re whipping up a classic spaghetti dinner or serving it as a topping for baked ziti, this meat sauce recipe is versatile and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. Really, who wouldn’t love a generous scoop of this savory sauce draped over their favorite pasta? So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together!

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What is Meat Sauce

Meat sauce is a rich and hearty sauce made primarily with ground meat, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s the perfect companion to pasta, providing a savory depth that elevates a simple meal into something truly special. Known for its comforting flavors, meat sauce has found its way into kitchens across the globe, but especially resonates with lovers of Italian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Meat Sauce

This meat sauce recipe offers an easy DIY alternative to jarred options, delivering robust, homemade flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With every bite, you’ll experience the tenderness of ground beef infused with aromatic vegetables and rich tomatoes, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Plus, it can be a versatile addition to many meals, ensuring you never tire of it.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon sugar
¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
¼ cup red wine
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
2 cups tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking the Best Meat Sauce

Heating the Oil and Browning the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the ground beef. Brown the meat for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart as you go. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left.

Sautéing Vegetables

Now, it’s time to infuse your sauce with flavor. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook this mixture for another 3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step adds sweetness and depth to your sauce.

Infusing Flavors

Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, and red wine. Cook this mixture for another 3 to 5 minutes. The heat helps the wine evaporate, letting the flavors meld beautifully together. You’ll want those aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Introducing Tomatoes

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything well. Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a rapid boil, which helps to bring out all the flavors.

Simmering for Depth of Flavor

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Now, let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 hours. This patience is key, as the longer it simmers, the better the flavor becomes. Stir occasionally, and if it starts to get too thick, just add a splash of beef or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Finishing Touches

Before serving, give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, garnish it with chopped parsley or basil. Serve it piping hot over your favorite pasta, and feel free to add some grated Parmesan on top!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your meat sauce, the possibilities are endless. Pair it with spaghetti, lasagna, or even use it as a delightful base for baked ziti. Feeling adventurous? Try a meatball sub or serve it over rice for an entirely different spin!

Tips for Success

If you want a different flavor profile, feel free to substitute ground turkey or sausage.
Make it ahead of time! Meat sauce tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to meld together beautifully.
Don’t skip the simmering step; this is where the magic happens and develops deep, rich flavors.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Consider adding diced carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different herbs such as basil or oregano to enhance the complexity of your meat sauce.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover meat sauce, you’re in luck! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, portion it into freezer-safe bags to enjoy later; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label it!

Pairing Ideas

For a complete meal, enjoy your meat sauce with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even a glass of red wine. The combination makes for a wonderfully satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat for this sauce?

Yes! You can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or pork.

How can I thicken my meat sauce?

If you want a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Is it necessary to use wine in meat sauce?

Wine does enhance flavor, but if you prefer, you can omit it and add extra broth instead.

Can meat sauce be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) can be great meat substitutes.

How long does meat sauce last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, meat sauce will last up to 5 days.

Homemade meat sauce is a culinary delight that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal. By following this recipe, you’ll not only impress family and friends but also create a comforting, flavorful sauce that holds memories of family dinners shared over pasta. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or a quiet night in, nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade meat sauce.

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Meat Sauce

What is Meat Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Meat Sauce

Ingredients