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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/perfect-italian-meat-sauce-recipe/