INTRODUCTION
This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce is rich, warm, and easy to make. You will need a few simple items and about 30 minutes of active time. The sauce cooks down to a thick, tasty mix that hugs any pasta. It pairs well with a green salad and warm bread. For a sweet finish to dessert, try this butterscotch sauce recipe after your meal.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it uses few, real ingredients. It tastes like slow-cooked sauce even though it comes together fast. The ground beef gives it a deep, meaty flavor. Fresh basil adds a bright note. San Marzano tomatoes make the sauce smooth and sweet. You can serve it on spaghetti, rigatoni, or use it in a baked pasta dish. The steps are clear and easy for cooks of any level. If you like warm drinks with dinner, this sauce smells great while you brew a winter spice coffee for guests.
HOW TO MAKE Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
This sauce is simple and direct. You brown the beef, add onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then simmer. The method focuses on clear steps and little fuss. If you enjoy Italian desserts, save a spot for an affogato Italian treat later.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large sauté pan or deep skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Plate for resting cooked onions
- Can opener
- Serving bowl or pasta pot
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 lb Ground beef (I prefer 85% lean ground beef.)
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 your sauce tastes too acidic)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add your olive oil.
- Now add your red pepper flakes, onion and a pinch of salt and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove onions from pot on to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add your ground beef and brown on all sides making sure to break up the meat as much as possible while it cooks (about 5 minutes).
- Add the onions back to the pot and mix in to the ground beef.
- Now add your garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add your tomatoes to the pot.
- Add your salt, oregano and basil and stir.
- Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Taste the sauce for any additional salt.
- Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
Serve this sauce hot over pasta. Toss cooked pasta with a little sauce first so each noodle has a shine of sauce. Add more sauce on top and finish with grated cheese if you like. This sauce also works well as a base for lasagna or stuffed shells. For a bolder taste, add a small spoon of reserved pasta water when you toss the pasta. If you want a rich, chocolatey accent on the side, a small ramekin of warm mocha sauce copycat can be a fun treat for dessert.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
Cool the sauce completely before storing. Place in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm slowly on the stove over low heat until hot. If the sauce looks thick after thawing, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Toss with spaghetti and a shower of grated Parmesan.
- Use as a filling for baked ziti or lasagna.
- Spoon over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Make meatball subs: fill a roll with meatballs and sauce, then broil with mozzarella.
- Serve with a simple salad of greens, olive oil, and lemon.
For a light post-meal drink, try a protein boost like a high-protein proffee drink to help you feel full and satisfied.
VARIATIONS
- Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter sauce. Cook the meat the same way, but watch more closely as it browns faster.
- Mixed meat: Mix beef and pork for a richer taste. Add the pork with the beef and brown together.
- Vegetable boost: Add diced carrots and celery with the onion for more depth. Cook until soft before adding the tomatoes.
- Red wine touch: Add 1/4 cup red wine after the beef browns. Let it reduce for a minute before adding tomatoes. This adds a deeper flavor.
- Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon or add a pinch of hot paprika.
- Herb change: Swap fresh basil for fresh parsley or add a bay leaf while simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different kind of tomato?
A: Yes. You can use any crushed tomato you like. San Marzano are sweet and smooth, but crushed plum or whole tomatoes mashed by hand will work well.
Q: Do I have to use fresh basil?
A: No. Fresh basil gives a bright flavor, but dried basil works in a pinch. Add it with the oregano.
Q: How do I prevent the meat from getting dry?
A: Cook the meat just until it browns. Breaking it up helps it cook evenly. Do not overcook before adding tomatoes.
Q: Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the meat and add diced mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat. Cook the vegetables until soft, then follow the same steps.
Q: Is the sugar really needed?
A: Not always. Use a pinch only if the sauce tastes too acidic. Taste first, then add small pinches until it balances.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pot and keep the simmer time similar. You may need a little more salt to taste.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
You can make this sauce one day ahead. Cook it and cool it to room temperature. Store in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm. If you plan to freeze, portion the sauce into meal-size containers so you can thaw only what you need. The sauce often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Conclusion
This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce is simple to make and full of classic flavor. It uses a short list of common ingredients and straightforward steps. Make it for a weeknight dinner or double it for a crowd. If you want another take on a good meat sauce and more tips, read this detailed guide from The Best Easy Italian Meat Sauce Recipe – Jersey Girl Cooks.
Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil.
- Add the red pepper flakes, onion, and a pinch of salt, then cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the onions from the pot onto a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the ground beef and brown on all sides, breaking up the meat as much as possible while it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onions back to the pot and mix in with the ground beef.
- Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add the tomatoes to the pot.
- Add the salt, oregano, and basil, then stir.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt if necessary.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta and enjoy!