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Homemade Meat Sauce

Homemade Meat Sauce
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Homemade Meat Sauce is a rich, comforting, and flavorful classic sauce made from simple ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for pasta nights, lasagna, or as a versatile meal addition, this easy-to-make sauce simmers slowly to develop deep flavor and a thick, satisfying texture everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or mixed meat (lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup red wine or broth (optional; can substitute water)

Optional Variations and Additions

  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced chili (for spice)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 2 tbsp cream (for richer sauce)
  • 1 medium carrot, grated (for extra veggies)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (for added texture)
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or bay leaves (for flavor variations)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting the aroma develop.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or your chosen meat to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s evenly browned with no pink spots remaining, locking in flavor and forming the base of the sauce.
  3. Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, add red wine or broth now. Stir everything well to combine.
  4. Simmer Slowly: Reduce heat to low and cover the pan loosely. Let the sauce simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer melds all the flavors and thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
  5. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. For a smoother texture, use a hand blender or mash some chunks for a homier feel. The sauce is now ready to serve or store.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and herbs whenever possible to enhance flavor.
  • Take your time browning the meat to avoid gray, bland texture.
  • Simmering the sauce slowly and gently is key to blending flavors and thickening.
  • Season little by little to avoid over-salting the sauce.
  • If the tomatoes taste too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade meat sauce, classic meat sauce, easy meat sauce, spaghetti sauce, bolognese, Italian sauce, ground beef sauce, pasta sauce

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