Big-Batch Beef Sauce
A hearty, flavorful beef sauce loaded with tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs, perfect for pasta, rice, or as a topping for baked dishes, ideal for freezing in large batches.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 5 celery ribs, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) jars sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, chopped onions, sliced celery, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the mixture.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained sliced mushrooms, minced parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer to freezer bags or containers, about 2 cups each.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef separately before adding it to the vegetable mixture. If you want a healthier option, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This beef sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or as a filling for Stuffed Sweet Peppers. Serve it over baked potatoes or use it as a base for hearty casseroles like Hamburger Cheese Bake Casserole. For a complete meal, offer a side salad and garlic bread to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer bags or airtight containers, portioning it into 2-cup servings for easy use later. Label the bags with the date before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big-Batch Beef Sauce contains roughly 464 calories, with 22g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (230% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. It also contributes 65g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in this recipe. You'll need about 10-12 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so adjust the seasoning as needed.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper while cooking the vegetables. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier variation.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this sauce in a slow cooker, brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
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).