Homemade Meat Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
267 kcal
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Course
Condiments
Homemade Meat Sauce
Description
Homemade Meat Sauce starts by browning ground beef in a dutch oven, breaking it up for even cooking. After draining most fat, diced green bell pepper and chopped onion are added and cooked until softened. Garlic is added briefly to release aroma before combining canned diced tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to create a thick tomato base.
Grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, a bay leaf, salt, sugar, and coarsely ground black pepper enrich the sauce’s flavor. The mixture is brought to a simmer and slowly cooked over low heat for an hour, allowing flavors to meld. Longer cooking is possible, with initial covered simmering then uncovered to thicken.
The sauce has a hearty texture with tender beef and vegetables suspended in a savory, herbaceous tomato sauce with umami from the cheese. It works well served over pasta or in other dishes requiring a meat sauce.
Simmering the sauce for extended periods intensifies flavors and thickens it. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving. The bay leaf is removed once cooking is complete.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef , (85/15)
- 1 yellow onion , chopped
- 1 green bell pepper , diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes do not drain, canned
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons basil dried
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper coarse ground
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven on high heat cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as you cook, about 3-4 minutes.
- When mostly browned drain most of the fat and add in the green bell pepper and onion, cooking another 5-6 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add in the parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, bay leaf, kosher salt, sugar and black pepper and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook on low heat, on a simmer, for 1 hour. If you have more time, cook covered for 2 hours then uncovered for 1 hour.
Notes
- Slow simmer the sauce covered for 2 hours, then uncovered for 1 hour to deepen flavor and thicken.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking during the long cook time.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 267kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 61mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 797mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 884mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 658IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 32mg | 36% |
| Calcium | 137mg | 14% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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