Basic Tomato Meat Sauce
A hearty and flavorful tomato meat sauce featuring ground chuck and aromatic herbs, perfect for pasta or as a rich topping. Its slow-simmered depth offers a comforting taste that complements family dinners or casual gatherings, appealing to meat lovers and fans of classic Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepot.
- Add chopped onion and cook until lightly browned.
- Add ground chuck and brown thoroughly.
- Gradually add the sieved tomatoes, salt, bay leaf, and sweet basil or oregano.
- Cover the saucepot and simmer over very low heat for about 2 1/2 hours.
- Add tomato sauce and stir well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce or throwing in some minced garlic with the onions. If you're out of ground chuck, ground turkey or plant-based meat can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the taste; if using dried, reduce the amount slightly as they are more concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
This Basic Tomato Meat Sauce is perfect over pasta or as a base for dishes like lasagna. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Peperonata for a delightful Italian dinner experience. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Tomato Meat Sauce contains roughly 185 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1275mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it in advance and refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat gently before serving.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian by substituting ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or even finely chopped mushrooms for added texture. Adjust the seasonings to your taste to maintain a robust flavor.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to customize this sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with spices like crushed red pepper for heat or add a bit of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. Explore different Italian recipes to inspire your variations!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).