If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish to elevate your pasta nights, look no further than this easy meat sauce recipe. This delectable sauce is not only straightforward to prepare but also turns out incredibly rich and satisfying, making it the perfect complement to your favorite pasta shapes.
Packed with savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a tantalizing blend of herbs and spices, our meat sauce is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality sauce at home.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this easy meat sauce recipe. Your taste buds will thank you for the flavorful journey they’re about to embark on!
Ingredients and Equipments
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How To Make
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess grease and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the red wine (if using) and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Season the sauce with oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or longer if time allows. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
Tips or Possible Variation
1. For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage in the sauce.
2. If you don’t have dry red wine on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth.
3. Add some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra vegetables and flavor.
This easy meat sauce recipe is the perfect way to turn an ordinary pasta dish into something extraordinary. Whether you serve it over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape, this versatile sauce will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
So next time you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give this easy meat sauce recipe a try. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.