Meat Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
16 servings (1/2 cup each)
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Calories
171 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Meat Sauce Recipe
Description
The Meat Sauce Recipe starts by browning ground beef and/or Italian sausage with chopped onion, adding garlic shortly after. Tomato components include crushed tomatoes, sauce, and paste, which meld during simmering with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and a bay leaf. The sauce cooks uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop thick consistency and flavor.
The fennel seeds add subtle aromatic notes reminiscent of Italian sausage, while sugar adjusts the tomato's natural acidity. Variations in the meat ratio allow customization of flavor intensity. The sauce yields about 8 cups, sufficient for multiple servings.
This meat sauce is versatile for lasagna, spaghetti, or other Italian-inspired dishes and can be stored refrigerated up to 4 days for leftovers. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef and/or ground Italian sausage (see note 1)
- 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste (see note 2)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (see note 3)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (see note 4)
- 1 bay leaf
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add beef, sausage, and onion and cook until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain if desired. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper).
Notes
- You can use all ground beef, all ground Italian sausage, or a 50/50 mix depending on flavor preference.
- Adjust sugar amount to suit taste; it moderates the tomato acidity.
- Italian seasoning can be homemade with dried herbs like basil and oregano.
- Fennel seeds add a distinct flavor typical of Italian sausage but can be omitted if not desired.
- Leftover sauce keeps up to 4 days refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings (1/2 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5 cup | |
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 105mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 319mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 111IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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