meaty marinara sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meaty marinara sauce recipe

This meaty marinara sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years. I first discovered it when I was browsing through a cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to its rich flavor profile and hearty texture.

As a busy mom, I love that this sauce is incredibly easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to meatballs. My family and I have fallen in love with this sauce, and it’s become a regular feature at our family gatherings and weeknight meals.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility – it’s just as great for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for a special occasion. Plus, the health benefits of using ground beef and fresh vegetables make me feel good about what we’re putting in our bodies.

Hearty Meaty Marinara Sauce

4.8 from 799 votes

A rich and robust marinara sauce loaded with ground beef and Italian sausage. This sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high 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 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
5Cook over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6Drain off any excess fat if desired.
7Stir in the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
8Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, red wine, and bay leaf, stirring well to combine.
9Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
10Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
11The sauce should be rich and deep red, with the meat tender and fully cooked.
12Remove the bay leaf and discard.
13Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of brown sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
14Serve hot over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a leaner sauce, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

This meaty marinara sauce is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple to make and pleases everyone at the table. I love that I can store it in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it in portions for quick meals later.

To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if needed. Serve it over spaghetti, with meatballs, or even as a dip for garlic bread.

It works perfectly for family gatherings because you can make it ahead and it tastes even better the next day. I always feel good knowing I have a batch ready to go for busy nights or when guests show up unexpectedly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Meaty Marinara Sauce

1. Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?

Yes, you can use all ground beef if you prefer. The sauce will still be delicious, but it may be slightly less rich and tender. The pork adds extra fat and flavor, but lean ground beef works just fine.

2. How long should I simmer the sauce for the best flavor?

Simmer the sauce for at least one hour, but two hours is even better. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop and the thicker the sauce becomes. Just stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time and freeze it?

Absolutely. This sauce freezes very well for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

4. What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Crushed tomatoes are ideal because they give a smooth but chunky texture. You can also use whole peeled tomatoes that you crush by hand. Avoid diced tomatoes as they have added calcium chloride which prevents them from breaking down properly.

5. How can I make this sauce healthier without losing flavor?

Use lean ground meat like 93% lean beef and ground turkey instead of pork. Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can also reduce the salt and use no-salt-added canned tomatoes.

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