Master Meat Sauce
A hearty and versatile meat sauce with rich tomato flavors, perfect for pasta dishes or freeze in portions for quick, satisfying meals anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and salt to the cooked hamburger.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- If desired, add water or tomato juice to thin the sauce.
- Divide into 1-cup portions and freeze for future use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you're out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic can enhance the flavor. Adjust the salt according to your taste, especially if you use canned tomato products that may be salted. To add depth, try mixing in some red wine while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
This meat sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, making it a perfect base for spaghetti or lasagna. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. For a hearty dish, consider topping baked potatoes or using it in a chili. It also complements American recipes like Bacon, Cheese, Onion Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the meat 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. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Master Meat Sauce contains roughly 855 calories, with 44g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), iron (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1829mg per serving (80% 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 other types of meat for this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter version. Just be mindful of cooking times and fat content, as lean meats may require additional moisture.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. You can also add a splash of hot sauce at the end of cooking for a more controlled spice level.
What can I do with leftovers besides freezing?
Leftover meat sauce can be used in various dishes. Consider using it in a stuffed bell pepper or as a topping for nachos. You can also mix it into rice or quinoa for a quick meal or use it in a hearty meatball sub.
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).