Meat Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
9 cups
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Calories
250 kcal
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Course
Condiments
Meat Sauce
Description
Meat Sauce combines ground beef with diced onion, green pepper, and garlic sautéed in olive oil, enhanced with black pepper, salt, and a selection of dried herbs and spices including basil, parsley, and oregano. Red wine is added and cooked down to concentrate flavor before incorporating tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. The Worcestershire and hot sauces add subtle complexity and depth without making the sauce spicy.
The sauce simmers partially covered for about 45 minutes to develop a thick consistency and rich layers of flavor. The tomato base and seasonings create a balanced savory profile with a hint of sweetness from added sugar. The method includes occasional stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
This sauce can be served over a variety of pasta types with garlic bread for a classic meal. It also freezes well and lends itself to use in other dishes such as lasagna, baked pasta, or stuffed shells. Adjusting ingredient quantities is straightforward for larger batches, making it practical for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
The recipe benefits from using a salty, flavorful broth or combining ground meats for variety. Red wine choices like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir suit this sauce best. Optional additions include cream cheese or heavy cream to mellow the acidity before serving.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced, large
- 2 lbs. ground beef see notes
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup red wine see notes, dry
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 bay leaf
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 teaspoons oregano
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and let them soften for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook and crumble it for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bell peppers and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Drain excess grease. Add the wine and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the pot with the liquid. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until just a little liquid remains and the alcohol smell is gone.
- Add the seasonings, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and sugar. Toss to evenly coat the beef.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes, or until desired thickness and consistency is obtained. Stir occasionally throughout cooking to lift any meat that settles to the bottom.
- Serve with pasta of choice and garlic bread with cheese.
Notes
- The sauce yields approximately 9.5 cups, enough for about 3 pounds of pasta at 25 ounces per pound.
- It can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours after initial stovetop steps.
- Mixing in different ground meats such as sausage, pork, or veal can add complexity.
- Choose full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir; substitute with beef broth plus red wine vinegar if needed.
- Adding up to 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or ¾ cup heavy cream can balance acidity and enrich flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mustard powder enhance flavor subtly without adding spice.
- Store refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently after thawing.
- Leftovers complement various pasta dishes like lasagna, baked ravioli, and stuffed shells.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 250kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 970mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 986mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 673IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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