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Homemade Meat Sauce

Homemade Meat Sauce
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This Homemade Meat Sauce is a rich, hearty, and versatile sauce bursting with robust Italian flavors. Made with a mix of ground meat, fresh aromatics, canned tomatoes, and herbs, it is perfect for pasta, casseroles, lasagna, or even pizza toppings. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this economical sauce can be made ahead and stored, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef and/or pork (or single type of your choice)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Oils and Herbs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Seasonings and Optional

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Meat – Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook, without stirring too often, until evenly browned and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add Tomato Elements – Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to enhance sweetness. Pour in the canned tomatoes and mix well to form the tomato base.
  4. Step 4: Season and Simmer – Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red wine if using. Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Final Touches – Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the meat properly by avoiding excessive stirring to develop deeper flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to thicken and deepen flavor.
  • Use quality canned tomatoes for best taste.
  • Don’t skip tomato paste; it enhances richness and balances acidity.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade meat sauce, Italian meat sauce, meat sauce recipe, spaghetti sauce, hearty sauce, easy weeknight dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/homemade-meat-sauce-2/