Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef
Transform your pasta night with this hearty and flavorful Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef! A perfect blend of juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and sautéed onions creates the rich base for a sauce that’s simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of Italian herbs. The addition of a touch of sugar balances the acidity, while red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick. Fresh basil stirred in at the end adds a burst of freshness that truly elevates the dish. Ready in under an hour, this versatile sauce is ideal for topping spaghetti, layering in lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. Bursting with robust flavors, it’s a satisfying crowd-pleaser that's both comforting and easy to make. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping—this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 grams ground beef
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving.
Serve over cooked pasta of choice, or as a sauce for your favorite dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.5 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 549 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.2 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 580 mg | 12% | |
*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.
