Meat Sauce
Dive into the comforting flavors of homemade Meat Sauce, a rich and hearty recipe that's perfect for pasta night or layering in your favorite lasagna. This savory sauce combines the robust taste of ground beef and pork, sautéed with fragrant garlic and onions, and is simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. A splash of beef broth adds depth, while a hint of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow simmer to bring out its complex flavors, this one-pot classic is as easy as it is flavorful. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this versatile Meat Sauce is a must-try for any Italian-inspired meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 0.5 pounds ground pork
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then stir well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired.
Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta or use it in a lasagna recipe. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2400 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 169.9 g | 218% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.2 g | 291% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 517 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 4272 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.1 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.9 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.1 g | ||
| Protein | 149.8 g | 300% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 438 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 4172 mg | 89% | |
*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.
