Perfect Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce is a rich and flavorful classic that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and slow-simmered to develop deep flavors, it’s the ideal companion for your favorite pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 28 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced very fine
• 2 cloves garlic, diced very fine
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• Sugar (optional, a pinch at a time if sauce tastes too acidic)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the olive oil to the pan.
3. Step 3: Add the red pepper flakes, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the onions from the pan onto a plate and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same pan, add the ground beef. Brown it on all sides, breaking up the meat as much as possible while it cooks, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked onions to the pan and mix them into the ground beef.
7. Step 7: Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
8. Step 8: Pour in the crushed tomatoes.
9. Step 9: Stir in the salt, oregano, and basil leaves.
10. Step 10: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
11. Step 11: Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar gradually until balanced.
12. Step 12: Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, simmer the sauce for longer than 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Substitute ground beef with ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine before simmering for extra complexity.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped or added: try rosemary or thyme for a twist.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this meat sauce often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it a day ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What pasta pairs best with this meat sauce?

This sauce works well with many types of pasta, but it’s especially good with wide noodles like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or classic spaghetti.

Perfect Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce is a rich and savory blend of ground beef, San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices. Slow-simmered to develop deep flavors, this versatile sauce is ideal for serving over pasta, creating a classic Italian meal that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Sauce Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced very fine
• 2 cloves garlic, diced very fine
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• 1/8 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• Sugar, optional (a pinch at a time if sauce tastes too acidic)

Instructions

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sauce ingredients.
2. Add Olive Oil: Pour in 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and allow it to warm up.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add red pepper flakes, diced onion, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Remove Onions: Transfer the cooked onions onto a plate and set aside for later use.
5. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pan, add the ground beef. Cook on all sides while breaking it up as much as possible, for about 5 minutes until fully browned.
6. Combine Onions and Meat: Return the cooked onions to the pan with the ground beef and mix well.
7. Add Garlic: Stir in the finely diced garlic and cook for an additional one minute to release its aroma.
8. Add Tomatoes: Pour the crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the pan, combining with the meat mixture.
9. Season the Sauce: Add kosher salt, dried oregano, and fresh basil leaves. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings evenly.
10. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, thickening and developing flavors.
11. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance acidity.
12. Serve: Spoon the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy a classic Italian meal.

Notes

• Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor, but good-quality canned tomatoes can also work.
• If sauce tastes too acidic, add sugar gradually until balanced.
• For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer if time allows.
• Fresh basil leaves can be torn for better flavor release.
• This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Italian meat sauce, ground beef sauce, tomato meat sauce, pasta sauce, homemade meat sauce, easy Italian recipe