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.
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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