Cooking meat sauce is like hosting a dinner party where everyone gets along – it’s rich, hearty, and brings people together. Picture this: a bubbling pot on the stove, wafting aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs that make your taste buds do a little dance. You know it’s going to be good when even the cat starts meowing for an invitation to dinner. This meat sauce recipe is perfect for those cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat.

I remember the first time I made this sauce; it was during a chaotic family gathering. Everyone was chatting, laughing, and sneaking bites of garlic bread while I tried to keep my cool in the kitchen. The moment I served the sauce over pasta, my cousin declared it “life-changing.” It was like winning an Oscar in my culinary world! Get ready to create your own memorable moments with this delicious meat sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This meat sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free
- Its robust flavor profile will have everyone coming back for seconds
- The vibrant colors and aromas will light up your kitchen and make your meal visually appealing
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for pasta night or as a filling for lasagna or stuffed peppers
This meat sauce has become a staple at our family gatherings, always met with smiles and second helpings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease while still keeping all that juicy flavor.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; opt for yellow or white onions.
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Garlic: Use fresh garlic for that aromatic punch; minced cloves work best.
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Canned Tomatoes: Go for whole peeled tomatoes; they break down beautifully when cooked.
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Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce while intensifying the tomato flavor; it’s a must!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives that authentic Italian flair.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to your dish.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all those wonderful flavors.
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Red Wine (optional): A splash of red wine adds depth; just make sure it’s drinkable!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping for this meat sauce is half the fun! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and stir until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Brown the Meat: Increase the heat slightly and add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary; you want flavor but not a swimming pool!
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in one can of whole peeled tomatoes (crushed) along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red wine if using. Stir well until everything is combined.
Simmer Away: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This allows all those delightful flavors to meld together into something magical—stir occasionally so nothing sticks!
Taste and Adjust : After simmering, taste your sauce! Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or herbs according to your preference; it’s all about personal touch here.
Serve over spaghetti or any pasta you fancy! You could also use it as a base for lasagna or as stuffing in bell peppers. Enjoy every mouthful!
You Must Know
- Meat sauce is a game changer for pasta nights; it’s rich, hearty, and comforting
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone think you’ve been slaving away all day
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for lasagna or as a topping for baked potatoes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Then brown ground meat before adding tomatoes and spices for a layered flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in turkey or veggie meat for a lighter dish. Toss in some red wine for depth or fresh herbs for brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Store meat sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your meat sauce, simmer longer; it deepens flavors beautifully
- Use fresh herbs like basil for brightness when serving
- Don’t skip the salt; it brings everything together!
Sometimes I surprise myself with how much my family loves this meat sauce. They request it for birthdays, holidays, and random Tuesday nights – who knew pasta could bring such joy?
FAQ
What type of meat works best in meat sauce?
Ground beef or turkey provides great flavor and texture while keeping it juicy.
Can I freeze leftover meat sauce?
Yes! It freezes well for up to three months; just thaw overnight before reheating.
How can I make meat sauce spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level!
Classic Meat Sauce
Cooking meat sauce is a delightful and straightforward way to bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table. This rich, hearty meat sauce combines ground beef, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting dish perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking up clumps as needed. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed whole peeled tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red wine if desired. Combine well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed before serving over pasta or using as a filling for lasagna or stuffed peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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