meat sauce for pasta recipe

The Best meat sauce for pasta recipe

I’ve been making this meat sauce for pasta recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The sauce is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, which are all simmered together to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

I like to use lean ground beef to make it a bit healthier, but you can also use other types of meat or even vegetarian options if you prefer. The key to this recipe is the long cooking time, which allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up nicely. This is a great recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday party.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and everyone has always raved about it. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this sauce. They get to brown the meat and onions, then stir in the tomatoes and seasonings.

It’s a fun activity that teaches them about cooking and meal prep. As for me, I love how this recipe makes my house smell like home-cooked food all day long. It’s one of those aromas that immediately transports me back to my childhood when my mom would cook up big batches of pasta sauce for our family gatherings.

This meat sauce is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it over spaghetti, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. The best part? It freezes beautifully so you can make big batches and store them in your freezer for later use.

Classic Meat Sauce for Pasta

4.8 from 720 votes

A rich and hearty meat sauce simmered with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
7Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
8Taste and add sugar if needed to balance acidity, then remove the bay leaf before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to 1 hour. You can substitute ground pork or a mix of meats for variety. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meat Sauce for Pasta Works

This meat sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully so you can make big batches and store them in your freezer for later use.

When reheating leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat them straight from the freezer by adding some extra liquid (such as water or broth) to prevent drying out. You can also serve this sauce over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta options for a low-carb meal idea.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Sauce for Pasta

Q: What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meat and onions in a pan before transferring everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Q: How do I store leftover meat sauce?

You can store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices!

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians as it contains ground beef.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meat sauce?

You can reheat leftover meat sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

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