Italian Meat Sauce For Pasta
A hearty Italian meat sauce with rich tomato flavors, savory meats, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and pairs beautifully with spaghetti and grated cheese.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, cubed ⓘ
- 1 pound ground round steak ⓘ
- 1/4 pound ground lean pork
- 1 can (16 oz.) Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) Italian tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup beef stock ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet and add minced garlic, chopped onion, and cubed green pepper.
- Cook until the onion pieces are soft.
- Add ground round steak and ground lean pork, cooking until no longer pink.
- Drain off excess grease.
- Add Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and Italian herb mix.
- Let simmer uncovered for one hour.
- During the last 15 minutes, add sliced mushrooms and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti and top with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the meat is cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce's aroma. Additionally, if you have leftover vegetables, feel free to incorporate them for added nutrition, similar to Easy Going Minestrone (You Can Substitute Your Own Vegetable Preferences).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meat sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal, and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Baked Shells or a side of garlic bread to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meat Sauce For Pasta contains roughly 313 calories, with 21g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (67% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1105mg per serving (48% 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 sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I use instead of ground round steak?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, you could use ground beef or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any alternative meat is cooked thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2 pounds, peeled and chopped. Be sure to cook them down until they break apart and create a sauce-like consistency. This can enhance the freshness of the dish, especially during tomato season.
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).