Italian Meat Sauce
A hearty Italian meat sauce with rich tomato flavors, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef or pork in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is tender.
- Stir in tomato puree, water, tomato paste, chopped parsley, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. If you don't have parsley, fresh basil or oregano can be great substitutes. To thicken the sauce, allow it to simmer longer or add more tomato paste. If you're looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead. This sauce also makes a great topping for Make-Ahead Spaghetti Supreme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian meat sauce over cooked macaroni and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Italian Delight Hot Dish or alongside breadsticks for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meat Sauce contains roughly 935 calories, with 45g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1878mg per serving (82% 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 use canned tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, you can substitute canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for the tomato puree. Just blend them if you prefer a smoother sauce. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when cooking the onions and garlic. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This can give your sauce a nice kick!
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! This meat sauce recipe can be easily doubled. Just ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings or for those occasions when you want to enjoy leftovers, like with Spaghetti For Twenty.
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).