tomato meat sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best tomato meat sauce recipe

I’ve been making this tomato meat sauce recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. My kids love it when I serve it with spaghetti or over mashed potatoes.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can use it as a base for other recipes, like lasagna or meatball subs. I’ve even served it as a side dish at family gatherings, and everyone raves about it. The key to this recipe is the combination of fresh tomatoes, ground beef, and herbs like basil and oregano.

It’s a hearty, comforting sauce that never fails to hit the spot. When I first started making this recipe, I was amazed by how simple yet effective it was. The ingredient list is short and sweet, but the results are anything but bland.

The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the beef, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors. And let’s not forget the aroma – there’s nothing quite like the scent of slow-cooked tomatoes wafting through your kitchen. One thing that sets this recipe apart from others is its reliance on fresh ingredients rather than canned tomatoes or pre-ground beef.

It may take a few more minutes to prep, but trust me, the difference is worth it. When you taste that first bite, you’ll know exactly why this recipe has become a family favorite.

Classic Tomato Meat Sauce

4.9 from 1831 votes

A rich and hearty tomato meat sauce perfect for pasta. This sauce is easy to make and full of flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings

1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

Fresh basil leaves
Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the ground beef to the skillet.
5Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat if necessary.
7Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
8Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9The sauce should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
10Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
12If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
13Serve the tomato meat sauce over your favorite pasta.
14Garnish with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

This tomato meat sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner parties or just need a quick weeknight meal solution for your family. My kids love helping me cook it down from scratch (under adult supervision, of course!)

, and we all enjoy serving it over spaghetti or using it as a base for other recipes. One of my favorite ideas is reheating leftovers with some extra garlic bread or over baked ziti pasta – yum!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Meat Sauce

What type of tomatoes should I use?

I recommend using a mix of fresh tomatoes – such as San Marzano or cherry tomatoes – for their sweeter flavor and higher acidity level.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the beef in a skillet before adding all the ingredients to your slow cooker.

How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes! Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays or zip-top bags for later use.

What if I don’t have any red wine?

No worries – simply omit it or substitute with beef broth if you prefer.

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