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Homemade Meat Sauce

Homemade Meat Sauce
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A rich and hearty homemade meat sauce featuring ground meat, tomatoes, and classic Italian herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, casseroles, or as a versatile topping, this easy-to-make sauce offers bold flavors with simple pantry ingredients. Customize with your favorite spices or vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 small carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño (for spicy kick)
  • Olives and capers (Mediterranean style)
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (hearty mushroom mix)
  • A splash of red wine (Mediterranean style)
  • Textured vegetable protein or lentils (for vegetarian version)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. This forms the base of your sauce’s rich flavor.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add your choice of ground meat to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook evenly browned, approximately 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then add dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Let It Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic or fresh herbs for brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and oregano when possible for brighter flavors.
  • Don’t rush the simmering step; slow cooking deepens flavors and thickens sauce naturally.
  • A mix of beef and pork offers balanced richness and depth.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid greasy sauce.
  • Enhance umami by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Freeze sauce in portions for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade meat sauce, Italian sauce, pasta sauce, meat ragu, easy meat sauce, versatile sauce, ground beef sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/homemade-meat-sauce/