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
Scale
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
