Freezer Meat Sauce
A hearty, flavorful freezer-friendly meat sauce with garlic, peppers, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for spaghetti or Sloppy Joes, appealing to comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic, peppers, and onions in oil.
- Brown the ground chuck.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for at least 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chuck. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance acidity from the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile. For a spicy kick, increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic dish or use it as a filling for lasagna. It also pairs beautifully with Garden Patch Carrots for a balanced meal. Top with grated parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor. This sauce can be used as a base for stuffed peppers or served with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw frozen sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freezer Meat Sauce contains roughly 149 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% 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 meat sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This meat sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge, or make a large batch and freeze it for future meals.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this freezer meat sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can divide it into individual portions and freeze them for quick meals during busy weeks. Just reheat as needed for a convenient and hearty dinner option.
What can I serve with this meat sauce?
This meat sauce is versatile! Serve it over spaghetti, as a filling for baked potatoes, or even in a sub sandwich. It also pairs well with sides like Peppered Corn Casserole or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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).