Meat Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms basic pantry staples into a comforting, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for any pasta night. The blend of fresh parsley and aromatic herbs infuses every bite with a warm, homemade touch that’s simply irresistible.

This hearty meat sauce, full of flavorful ground beef and aromatic garlic, is one of my absolute favorite things to create in the kitchen. I usually make it using crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for a rich base.

Dried oregano and basil give it such a nice depth of flavor, and I *really* love the subtle heat from red pepper flakes that it has. It pairs perfectly with any pasta, and my kids love it!

Ingredients

Beef that is ground: Protein content is high, and it contributes robust taste and texture.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A nutrient-dense fat that adds richness and flavor, is heart-healthy, and supports multiple facets of health.

Onion: Contributes to sweetness and depth; contains a high amount of fiber.

Pungency, immune health, and flavor are three things that garlic provides in abundance.

Tomatoes that are crushed: Have a high concentration of vitamin C; they contribute to the dish’s acidity and bodiness.

Paste de tomate: La saveur concentrata, espese y endulce la salsa.

Oregano, when dried: Offers a woodsy, herbal scent; a potent source of antioxidants; and a delicious flavor boost.

Parsley: Contains natural oils that contribute to its fresh, vibrant flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a big skillet or saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Throw in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s see-through.

2. Include the minced garlic and prepare for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to incinerate it.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and put the ground beef in the pan. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

4. If necessary, remove any excess fat from the skillet.

5. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the mixture, ensuring they are well combined.

6. Incorporate all the spices by mixing them well together. If using, add the following: dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

7. Lower the heat to low, put a lid on the skillet, and allow the sauce to simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring it now and then.

8. Add the sugar to the sauce and then taste it so you can adjust the seasonings as needed.

9. Add the chopped fresh parsley to the sauce and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.

10. Enjoy this dish served over any pasta you have on hand!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or saucepan with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Can opener
8. Mixing spoon
9. Ladle

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?Q: Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of ground beef?
• Q: How long does the meat sauce need to simmer?A: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this meat sauce?Certainly! You can bring in tremendous flavor and texture by adding some diced bell pepper or mushrooms.
• Q: Is the sugar necessary in the recipe?A: The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust or omit it to suit your taste.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Let the sauce cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
• Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?A: Yes, fresh herbs can be used. For optimal flavor, use three times the quantity of fresh herbs compared to dried.
• Q: Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?Adjusting or omitting red pepper flakes is a matter of your preference for spiciness; they are optional.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey or ground chicken can substitute for 1 pound of ground beef when a lighter option is desired.
1 tablespoon olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or oil from avocados.
1 medium onion, diced can be replaced with shallots or leeks to create a different flavor profile.
Three cloves of minced garlic may be substituted with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Two cans of diced tomatoes, blended if desired, can take the place of 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) can be substituted with a dash of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar level of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Browning for Flavor Ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding the tomatoes. This can enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce by creating a rich, savory base.

2. Fresh Herbs Finish While dried herbs add great flavor during the cooking process, consider adding a few fresh basil leaves in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.

3. Deglazing After browning the beef, deglaze the pan by adding a splash of red wine or beef broth, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom before proceeding with the tomatoes.

4. Simmer Time If time allows, let the sauce simmer for longer than 30 minutes on a very low heat. This can further meld the flavors, making the sauce richer and more complex.

5. Texture Control For a smoother sauce, you can purée part of it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before serving, leaving some chunks for texture.