Description
Homemade Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting sauce bursting with rich tomato flavor, perfectly browned ground meat, and aromatic herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or as a base for various dishes such as lasagna.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, pork, or a combination
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to develop a flavorful base.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned all over and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial for building rich flavor and texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the canned tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together, letting the sauce begin to thicken and the flavors combine, around 10 minutes on low heat.
- Simmer and Adjust: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or herbs as desired for the perfect balance.
Notes
- Use quality fresh ground beef or a beef-pork mix for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush browning; let the meat sear without constant stirring to deepen flavor.
- Season gradually to build layers without overdoing it.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to bring out rich tomato flavors.
- Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a fresh herbal lift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg