Easy Meat Sauce

If you are searching for a hearty, flavorful, and versatile recipe, this Easy Meat Sauce is the answer. Whether you’re serving it over spaghetti, layering it into lasagna, or using it as the base for baked pasta dishes, this sauce is rich, savory, and full of Italian-inspired flavors. With simple pantry ingredients and slow-simmered goodness, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef, onions, and garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, red wine or broth, green bell pepper, parsley, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, sugar, and bay leaves.
3. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Easy Meat Sauce is best enjoyed hot over your favorite pasta, but it’s also perfect as a base for baked pasta, stuffed shells, or layered into lasagna. For serving, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley for a restaurant-style finish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back its silky texture.

Variations

• Spicy Meat Sauce: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or stir in diced spicy Italian sausage to give the sauce a bold, fiery flavor.
• Chunky Vegetable Meat Sauce: Incorporate diced zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or celery for a hearty, nutrient-packed version. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic before adding tomatoes.
• Creamy Meat Sauce: For a rich finish, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, mascarpone, or ricotta cheese at the end of cooking. This adds a silky texture and mellows the acidity.
• Ground Meat Mix: Swap part of the beef for ground pork, Italian sausage, or turkey for a more complex flavor. A beef-and-sausage combination is especially popular for lasagna.
• Herb-Forward Sauce: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme toward the end of cooking. Stirring in fresh parsley before serving enhances brightness and freshness.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef, onions, and garlic first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours for even deeper flavors.
• Wine-Free Option: Replace red wine with beef broth or chicken broth for a family-friendly alternative without losing richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the sugar and serve this meat sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly meal.

FAQs

1. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
   Yes, this recipe doubles (or even triples) well. Just use a larger pot and extend simmering time slightly.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from being too acidic?
   Adding a teaspoon of sugar or grated carrot balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes, brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then cook everything on low for 6–8 hours.
4. How do I make this sauce thicker?
   Simmer uncovered for an additional 15–30 minutes until the liquid reduces.
5. What can I substitute for ground beef?
   Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles all work well.
6. Can I add wine after the sauce has already simmered?
   It’s best to add wine early so the alcohol cooks off and the flavor infuses the sauce.
7. How long should I let the sauce simmer for best flavor?
   At least 1 hour, but 2–3 hours on low heat will deepen the flavor even more.
8. What’s the best pasta to use with this meat sauce?
   Thicker noodles like rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti work beautifully since they hold up to the hearty sauce.
9. Can I make this ahead for lasagna?
   Yes, prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
10. Can I add fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
    Yes, but peel and seed them first. Fresh tomatoes will require longer cooking for the same depth of flavor.

This Easy Meat Sauce is the perfect recipe to keep in your collection for busy weeknights or comforting Sunday dinners. Its versatility makes it a family favorite and its deep flavors make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, baking it into lasagna, or freezing it for future meals, this sauce delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

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