Description

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

In a large pot, brown ground beef, onions, and garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
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.
Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

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.