Teresa's Recipes
Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this homemade meat sauce, a timeless classic that embodies the spirit of Italian cooking. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this sauce is perfect for drenching your favorite pasta or layering in a lasagna. The combination of ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a robust and satisfying sauce that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed streets of Italy.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 28 ounces (1 can) Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 15 ounces (1 can) Tomato sauce
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 large, finely chopped Onion
- 1 pound Ground beef
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
- Serve the meat sauce hot over your favorite pasta, or use it as a filling for lasagna. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mixture of ground meats for a different flavor profile.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.