Meat And Mushroom Sauce
A hearty meat and mushroom sauce with rich tomato flavors, herbs, and red wine, perfect for comforting pasta dishes suited for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped chuck meat in a pan.
- Remove the meat and drain on paper towels.
- Brown the chopped onion in the same pan and drain excess grease.
- Add crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato paste, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Return the meat to the pan, add mushrooms with liquid, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red wine.
- Cover and simmer the sauce for 1 hour.
- Uncover and cook for an additional hour.
- Serve the sauce over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and pork instead of chuck. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth. For added texture, consider mixing in some sautéed Italian Marinated Vegetables. Adjust the spices to your liking and feel free to experiment with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat and mushroom sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with Cloister Creek'S Spaghetti Salad for a refreshing side. You can also top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or serve it alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. For a variation, consider serving it over Distretti Red Rice for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Mushroom Sauce contains roughly 310 calories, with 18g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% 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 different types of meat for this sauce?
Absolutely! You can mix and match meats such as ground turkey, pork, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the chuck for a flavorful kick. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will be ready to enjoy!
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).