Easy Meat Sauce




Introduction

Learn how to make an easy and delicious Meat Sauce that will elevate your pasta dishes to the next level. This hearty and flavorful sauce is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a cozy family dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own meat sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Easy Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 6 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • One 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks until browned (8 to 10 minutes). Spoon out some of the excess fat and discard, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
  2. Stir in the garlic. Then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, seasonings, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. When the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat, cover the pot loosely with a lid, and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful it becomes. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a low simmer. Thin with additional beef broth if needed.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta.

How to Serve Easy Meat Sauce

Serve this meat sauce generously ladled over cooked pasta of your choice. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

How to Store Easy Meat Sauce

Allow the meat sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Meat Sauce

  • For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine while cooking the sauce.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your preference and taste as you go along the cooking process.

Variation

For a leaner version of the meat sauce, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. This swap will reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining the delicious flavors.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this meat sauce without sausage? Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage and increase the amount of ground beef to compensate for the missing meat.
  2. Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for an hour? While simmering longer will enhance the flavors, you can still enjoy a tasty sauce in 30 minutes. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
  3. Can I freeze the meat sauce? Absolutely! Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for future use.

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