Homemade Meat Sauce
A hearty homemade meat sauce with rich tomato and mushroom flavors, perfect for pasta lovers and family dinners, offering a comforting and savory experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 4-quart Dutch oven.
- Brown hamburger, onion, and garlic, then drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, golden mushroom soup, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pot.
- Let simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you prefer a leaner option. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just triple the amount. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat sauce over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheezy Vegetable Casserole or a simple side salad for a balanced dinner. You can also use it as a filling for lasagna or a topping for baked potatoes for a comforting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce also freezes well; just place it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and simmer gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Meat Sauce contains roughly 223 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% 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?
Yes, this meat sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's actually recommended to let it sit, as the flavors develop further. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of golden mushroom soup?
If you don't have golden mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade mushroom sauce. This will still give you a rich flavor, but the color and taste will be slightly different.
Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
Absolutely! You can enhance the nutrition and flavor by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients for a delicious and hearty sauce.
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).