Meaty Meat Sauce for Pasta
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this rich and flavorful Meaty Meat Sauce for Pasta! Bursting with savory goodness, this hearty sauce combines ground beef and zesty Italian sausage for a protein-packed duo that’s simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. A touch of tomato paste deepens the rich tomato base, while beef broth adds depth and a velvety consistency. Finished with a hint of red pepper flakes for a customizable kick and balanced by a touch of sugar, this sauce delivers the perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta shapes, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Don’t forget to top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness! Perfect for meal prep, this sauce freezes beautifully, making it as practical as it is delicious.
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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
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about 1 minute.
Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Push the meat to one side of the pot and add the tomato paste to the empty space. Let it cook for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor, then stir it into the meat mixture.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors during this time.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2066 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.9 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.4 g | 287% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 473 mg | 158% | |
| Sodium | 5278 mg | 230% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.9 g | ||
| Protein | 115.4 g | 231% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 184 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 2368 mg | 50% | |
*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.
