Tomato Sauce with Ground Beef and Variations
Elevate your pasta night with this hearty Tomato Sauce with Ground Beef, a versatile and flavor-packed recipe that's perfect for everything from spaghetti to lasagna. This classic Italian-inspired sauce starts with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, enriched with tender ground beef and simmered in a robust blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and savory beef broth. Seasoned with dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between rich, comforting, and customizable. Ready in just one hour, it's a go-to choice for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday dinners. Serve it over your favorite pasta or try one of the easy variations to make it uniquely yours. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch! Keywords: tomato sauce with ground beef, hearty pasta sauce, Italian-inspired sauce, easy ground beef recipes, family dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 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 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water or beef broth. Mix well to combine.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if desired to balance acidity).
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar, and let it cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Serve over cooked pasta, in lasagna, or as a sauce for other dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
261 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.3 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 382 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.4 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 13.8 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 557 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.
