Simple Italian Meat Sauce
Rich, hearty, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors, this Simple Italian Meat Sauce is a comforting classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, this sauce gets its depth from aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a vibrant combination of tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Seasoned with fragrant basil, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, it simmers to perfection, thickening into a luscious, flavor-packed sauce. Ready in just an hour and ideal for serving over pasta or as a base for lasagna, this versatile recipe will quickly become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, it’s the ultimate go-to for anyone craving authentic homemade Italian comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off excess fat if desired.
Push the meat to the side of the pan and add the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring it to release its flavor, then mix it into the meat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.
Once the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded, remove it from heat. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or other Italian recipes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 781 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.2 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 21.1 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 740 mg | 16% | |
*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.
