My Great Meat Sauce

Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, My Great Meat Sauce is the ultimate homemade recipe for elevating your pasta nights. This meat sauce combines the savory goodness of ground beef and pork with aromatic onions, garlic, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Simmered slowly with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a splash of beef broth, this sauce develops a robust depth of flavor that’s perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or even as a pizza topping. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is easy to prepare yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve over your favorite pasta for a meal that’s comforting, versatile, and sure to impress. Perfect for meal prep or freezing for future dinners, this meat sauce is a game-changer in any kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

Drain excess fat from the pot, if necessary, and return it to the heat.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine.

Step 8

Mix in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and sugar.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaves and stir in chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

Step 12

Serve over pasta, use in lasagna, or store for later use. Enjoy your Great Meat Sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2339.7 grams (2339.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2238

Total Fat 153.00g	196%
Saturated Fat 51.10g	256%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 509mg	170%
Sodium 4320mg	188%
Total Carbohydrate 77.60g	28%
Dietary Fiber 18.10g	65%
Total Sugars 44.60g
Protein 151.30g	303%

Vitamin D 28IU	141%
Calcium 377mg	29%
Iron 20mg	108%
Potassium 3503mg	75%

*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: 60.1%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 13.5%