Meaty Meat Sauce for Pasta

Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this rich and flavorful Meaty Meat Sauce for Pasta! Bursting with savory goodness, this hearty sauce combines ground beef and zesty Italian sausage for a protein-packed duo that’s simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. A touch of tomato paste deepens the rich tomato base, while beef broth adds depth and a velvety consistency. Finished with a hint of red pepper flakes for a customizable kick and balanced by a touch of sugar, this sauce delivers the perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta shapes, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Don’t forget to top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness! Perfect for meal prep, this sauce freezes beautifully, making it as practical as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about 1 minute.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Push the meat to one side of the pot and add the tomato paste to the empty space. Let it cook for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor, then stir it into the meat mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors during this time.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.

Step 10

Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Step 11

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1152 grams (1152.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2066

Total Fat 166.90g	214%
Saturated Fat 57.40g	287%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 473mg	158%
Sodium 5279mg	230%
Total Carbohydrate 32.20g	12%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 14.90g
Protein 115.40g	231%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184mg	14%
Iron 14mg	75%
Potassium 2368mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.8%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 6.2%