Italian Tomato Sauce With Meat
A hearty Italian tomato sauce with ground meat, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for classic spaghetti and satisfying any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan.
- Add chopped onion, grated celery, and halved garlic clove; cook for about 3 minutes until slightly cooled.
- Crumble ground chuck into the mixture and brown well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the garlic clove after browning if desired.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Add water using tomato paste can and stir thoroughly.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, and garlic powder; stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the meat. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste. Substitute the ground chuck with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use a mix of ground meats for a richer flavor. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones if you have them on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Tomato Sauce with Meat over your favorite pasta, or pair it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. It also complements Vegetable Linguini Salad beautifully. For a comforting option, use it as a base for a classic lasagna or spoon it over baked polenta for a warm dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Tomato Sauce With Meat contains roughly 579 calories, with 35g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones. Use about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and crushed. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to reach the desired sauce consistency and flavor.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make this sauce vegetarian, simply omit the ground chuck and replace it with lentils or chopped mushrooms for added texture. You can also enhance the umami flavor with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar, making it a delicious option for vegan recipes.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
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).