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Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

A rich and easy-to-make Italian meat sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, combining ground beef, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a robust flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef (preferably 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 leaves fresh basil
  • 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)

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the olive oil.
  3. Add the red pepper flakes, onion, and a pinch of salt, then cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the onions from the pot onto a plate and set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. Add the onions back to the pot and mix in with the ground beef.
  7. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
  8. Add the tomatoes to the pot.
  9. Add the salt, oregano, and basil, then stir.
  10. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  11. Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt if necessary.
  12. Serve hot over your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Notes

Cool the sauce completely before storing. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove.