Homemade Meat Sauce

Homemade Meat Sauce

Description

This rich and savory meat sauce is slow simmered to perfection, blending ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a base for hearty Italian dishes, it’s a family favorite that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

   • Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot.

   • Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

3. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:

   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

   • Add oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.

4. Simmer:

   • Pour in beef broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil.

   • Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

5. Taste & Serve:

   • Adjust seasonings as needed.

   • Serve over pasta, in lasagna, or with garlic bread.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Cutting board & knife

• Measuring cups & spoons

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serving Size: Makes about 6 servings

Homemade Meat Sauce

This rich and savory meat sauce is slow simmered to perfection, blending ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a base for hearty Italian dishes, it’s a family favorite that tastes even better the next day.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr

Total Time:1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium carrot finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk finely chopped
• 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Cook the Meat:
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Sauté Vegetables:
• Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
• Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
• Add oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
• Simmer:
• Pour in beef broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
• Taste & Serve:
• Adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve over pasta, in lasagna, or with garlic bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings: 6 servings

10 FAQs About Homemade Meat Sauce

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work well, but the flavor will be lighter. You may need to add extra seasoning for depth.

2. Can I make this meat sauce without carrots and celery?
   Yes, but they add natural sweetness and richness. If omitted, you may want to add a pinch more sugar.

3. Can I make this meat sauce vegetarian?
   Yes. Replace the meat with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

4. Do I need to drain the beef after browning?
   If your beef has high fat content, drain most of the grease to prevent the sauce from being oily.

5. How long should I simmer the sauce for the best flavor?
   While 45–60 minutes works, simmering for 2–3 hours on low (stirring occasionally) develops even deeper flavors.

6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the meat and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

7. What pasta goes best with meat sauce?
   Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and pappardelle are all great options because they hold the sauce well.

8. Why add sugar to the sauce?
   Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s optional, but a small amount enhances flavor.

9. Can I double this recipe?
   Absolutely! This sauce freezes well, so making a big batch is perfect for meal prep.

10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Yes. Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking.

How To Store Meat Sauce

• Refrigerator:
  Let sauce cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

• Freezer:
  Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Lay bags flat for easy stacking.

• Reheating:
  Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

• Tip:
  Store in portion-sized containers so you can thaw only what you need.