Southern Style Meat Sauce
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Style Meat Sauce, the ultimate comfort food that marries rich, slow-simmered tradition with savory depth. Featuring a robust combination of ground beef and pork sausage, this sauce is infused with aromatics like sautéed onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, then elevated with a touch of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and optional heat from cayenne and hot sauce. Simmered to perfection in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, this sauce thickens beautifully while developing layers of flavor that pair flawlessly with pasta, rice, or cornbread. With just a hint of sugar and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is a Southern-inspired family favorite guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for make-ahead meals or cozy gatherings, this recipe is as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and ground pork sausage to the pot, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce.
Season with paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the bay leaf to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
After 1 hour, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside cornbread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 243.2 g | 312% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.3 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 632 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 8624 mg | 375% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.9 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.4 g | ||
| Protein | 180.7 g | 361% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 439 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 4904 mg | 104% | |
*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.
