The Best Meat Sauce Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than The Best Meat Sauce Recipe! This rich and hearty sauce hugs every strand of pasta, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable Italian aroma. With layers of savory beef, zesty sausage, tomatoes, and a medley of herbs, it’s a meal that brings people together and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, The Best Meat Sauce Recipe is a tried-and-true favorite you’ll want in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create an unforgettable sauce. Each one is carefully chosen for its essential role in building layers of flavor, balancing texture, and adding that classic deep red color that makes this dish so inviting.
- Olive oil: This helps develop flavor right from the start as you brown the meats and gently sauté the aromatics.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty, robust flavor while creating the meaty base of the sauce.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds a kick of seasoning and richness, making the sauce extra savory and complex.
- Onion (finely diced): Sautéed until soft, it adds gentle sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic (minced): Provides bold depth and irresistible fragrance—don’t skip it!
- Crushed tomatoes: Form the saucy backbone, giving body and tanginess to every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a thick, luscious consistency.
- Tomato sauce: Helps meld all the tomato elements together into a single, silky sauce.
- Beef broth: A splash adds savory depth and rounds out the tomato’s acidity.
- Sugar: Just a touch takes the edge off the tomatoes and brings balance.
- Dried basil: Lends an aromatic, slightly sweet Italian flair.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic earthy note that no meat sauce is complete without.
- Dried thyme: Subtle and savory, it enhances the complexity of the herbs.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat and little zing—add as much or as little as you like!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: A simple pinch to finish.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, almost floral backbone during the simmer. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): The crowning touch for serving, adding salty richness and extra oomph.
How to Make The Best Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they cook. Sauté until they’re beautifully browned and any excess moisture has evaporated, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat in the pot, carefully spoon some off—but leave a bit behind for flavor!
Step 2: Soften Aromatics
Add the finely diced onion to the pan with the browned meats. Cook these gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn soft, fragrant, and slightly translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute. This short stint is just enough to release all that irresistible garlicky aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Liquids
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce, along with the splash of beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. This trio of tomato ingredients is what gives The Best Meat Sauce Recipe its hearty body and beautiful, deep flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and drop in the bay leaf. Stir it all together thoroughly. Now, bring the sauce to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. Over time, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine as the sauce thickens and flavors meld into something magical.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf (it’s done its job!) and stir in fresh parsley, if you like a bright touch. Spoon the hot sauce generously over your favorite pasta, then finish with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. You’ve just made The Best Meat Sauce Recipe—time to gather the family and dig in!
How to Serve The Best Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A generous flurry of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is classic here, melting slightly into the steamy sauce. You can also sprinkle on extra chopped parsley or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. A few fresh basil leaves add a beautiful pop of color and garden-fresh flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this sauce-laden pasta with crispy garlic bread (perfect for sopping up every bit!), a simple green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar, or roasted vegetables for color and crunch. Even a bowl of marinated olives or some grilled asparagus makes a fantastic accompaniment to The Best Meat Sauce Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the sauce over creamy polenta for a rustic Italian twist, or ladle it onto baked potatoes for a hearty weeknight meal. Leftovers? Layer it into lasagna, spread over a crusty hoagie roll with mozzarella for a meatball sub style sandwich, or even tuck inside stuffed peppers. The Best Meat Sauce Recipe truly shines with a touch of creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your sauce to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they meld overnight. I always make a double batch—future-you will be so grateful for that speedy, delicious dinner in the fridge!
Freezing
Want to prep meals far ahead? The Best Meat Sauce Recipe freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat for easy stacking, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen, adding a splash of water or broth if it needs loosening.
Reheating
Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly until hot throughout. If it’s a little thick (as sauces often get in the fridge), stir in a bit of beef broth or water to restore that perfect texture. If you’re running short on time, microwaving works too—just pause to stir every minute or so.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of a beef and sausage mix?
Absolutely! The blend of beef and Italian sausage adds extra richness and flavor, but if you prefer (or need to for dietary reasons), using all ground beef works just fine. Consider adding a bit more dried herbs to boost the flavor if skipping the sausage.
What’s the best pasta to serve with The Best Meat Sauce Recipe?
Thick, sturdy pastas like spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle really stand up to this hearty sauce, grabbing onto every bit for the perfect bite. But honestly, you can spoon this over just about any shape you love—it’s a winner every time!
Can I make The Best Meat Sauce Recipe ahead?
Yes, and it’s actually even tastier the next day! Simmer the sauce, let it cool, and refrigerate. Just reheat and serve when you’re ready—no one will guess it wasn’t made just minutes before serving.
Is there a substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or even water in a pinch will work. For an extra flavor boost, try a splash of red wine instead—this adds even more depth and Italian flair to The Best Meat Sauce Recipe.
What can I do to make the sauce spicier?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an optional ingredient. For more heat, simply add extra flakes (stir in a little at a time). Or, at the end, swirl in a spoonful of spicy Calabrian chili paste for a lively kick!
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready for a soul-warming dish that delivers both classic Italian flavor and easy weeknight charm, trust The Best Meat Sauce Recipe to rise to the occasion. It’s hearty, versatile, and destined to become a family favorite. Make it once and you’ll see—this is the kind of recipe you’ll want in your back pocket for years to come. Give it a try, and let the rave reviews roll in!
Print
The Best Meat Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Meat Sauce Recipe is a classic Italian favorite that is rich in flavor and perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes. Made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, simmered in a savory tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Base:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, sugar, herbs, spices, and bay leaf. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, stir in parsley if using, and serve hot over pasta with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This sauce tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
- You can substitute turkey or use all beef for a leaner version.
- Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
