garbage plate meat sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best garbage plate meat sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for garbage plate meat sauce with you all. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with nutrients.

The best part? It’s made with just a few simple ingredients that are probably already sitting in your pantry. The dish originated in Rochester, New York, where it was served as a topping for French fries, hot dogs, and hamburgers.

It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. My kids love helping me mix together the sauce and toppings, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!) I love serving this recipe because it’s so versatile – you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a dip for veggies.

And the best part? It’s made with wholesome ingredients that are good for you too. My family loves when I make this recipe because it’s like a special treat – we all sit down together and enjoy our meal as a family.

It’s not uncommon for us to have leftovers for days after making this recipe – but let me tell you, it never gets old. The flavors meld together perfectly after a day or two in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or potlucks. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

It’s also worth noting that the key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the ground beef or skip out on fresh onions and bell peppers.

Garbage Plate Meat Sauce

4.9 from 881 votes

A hearty, spiced meat sauce inspired by the classic Rochester, New York garbage plate. This sauce is rich with ground beef and a blend of warm spices, perfect for piling over home fries, macaroni salad, and hot dogs.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown.
5Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), black pepper, and salt.
6Cook for 1 minute, then add the Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water.
7Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
8Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
10Keep warm until ready to serve over home fries, macaroni salad, and hot dogs.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Watch Video Of How Garbage Plate Meat Sauce Works

I always recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezing for up to 2 months.

When reheating leftovers make sure to reheat until piping hot throughout before serving.

For added fun at family gatherings consider setting up a topping bar with all sorts of goodies like pickles, cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes and more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Plate Meat Sauce

Q: What is a garbage plate?

A: A garbage plate is a traditional dish from Rochester, New York, consisting of layers of ground meat sauce topped with baked beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard, cheese crumbles, and sometimes pickles or hot peppers.

Q: What makes this meat sauce recipe different from others?

A: This recipe uses fresh onions and bell peppers for added flavor and texture; also uses lean ground beef to make it healthier without sacrificing taste.

Q: Can I use store-bought baked beans instead of homemade?

A: While store-bought beans can be convenient, using homemade baked beans adds depth of flavor to the dish; however if using store-bought is preferred then please ensure they are low-sodium.

Q: How long does the meat sauce take to cook?

A: Cooking time varies depending on whether you choose to brown the ground beef first; typically around 30 minutes total cooking time.

Q: Can I freeze this meat sauce recipe for later use?

A: Yes! Simply let cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags; reheat when needed.

Similar Posts