Mamma Mia Meat Sauce
Get ready to bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this rich and hearty Mamma Mia Meat Sauce! This classic recipe combines tender ground beef and pork with a mirepoix of sautéed onion, carrot, and celery for a robust base. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, a splash of dry red wine, and a touch of caramelized tomato paste, this sauce slowly simmers with crushed tomatoes, savory herbs, and a hint of broth for a deep, comforting flavor you’ll savor in every bite. Perfectly balanced with optional sugar to tame acidity, this meat sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress, this classic Italian-inspired sauce is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup dry red wine
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Push the meat and vegetables to one side and add the tomato paste to the empty space in the pot. Cook the tomato paste for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to caramelize and enhance its flavor.
Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let it simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should become thick and flavorful during this time.
Taste the sauce and add a teaspoon of sugar if it tastes too acidic. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve the Mamma Mia Meat Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
406 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.9 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 649 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 66 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 709 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
