Meridith'S Favorite Meat Sauce
A hearty and flavorful meat sauce featuring ground turkey and sausage, simmered with tomato puree, basil, and garlic—perfect for pasta lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped garlic in a small amount of olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add tomato puree, tomato paste, and 1 1/2 cans of water to the pan.
- Brown the ground turkey in a separate pan; drain excess fat and add to the sauce.
- Brown the turkey sausage; drain and add to the sauce.
- Add bay leaves, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it's simmering. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added texture. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor profile, and don’t hesitate to adjust garlic levels based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Sausage With Mostaccioli or can be used as a filling for stuffed peppers. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad can round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meridith'S Favorite Meat Sauce contains roughly 203 calories, with 11g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of meat for this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or chicken for the turkey. Keep in mind that different meats will give the sauce slightly different flavors and fat content, so adjust cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. You could also try using spicy turkey sausage instead of the mild variety to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 2 hours?
While simmering for 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, you can reduce the time to 30-45 minutes if you're short on time. Just remember that longer simmering will yield a deeper flavor.
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).