Mother Fox'S Meat Sauce
A hearty, savory meat sauce with rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 2 dashes red pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/8 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/16 tsp. caraway seed ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the meat and stir well.
- Cook on medium heat and simmer until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce's flavor if available.
Serving Suggestions
This meat sauce is excellent over pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, and pairs beautifully with Diet Spaghetti Salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or over polenta for a comforting dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother Fox'S Meat Sauce contains roughly 526 calories, with 47g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1961mg per serving (85% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving.
What type of meat is best for this sauce?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats for a different flavor profile. Each option will yield a delicious sauce with its unique taste.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also explore vegan recipes by using plant-based meat alternatives and ensuring your tomato products are free from animal ingredients.
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).