Tomato Meat Sauce
A hearty tomato meat sauce with savory beef and sausage, fragrant herbs, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. pork sausage
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped basil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) pkg. spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 pkg. dry spaghetti sauce mix ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large nonstick pan, cook beef and sausage until brown. Drain off fat.
- Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Stir well.
- Add sauce mix and oleo.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve over spaghetti or noodles.
- May sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. This sauce can also work well for recipes like Layered Spaghetti Casserole, adding versatility to your meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tomato meat sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or noodles, and consider pairing it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top enhances the dish's flavor. This hearty sauce is also great for meal prep and can be used in various Italian recipes, making it a staple for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the tomato meat sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. 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 if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Meat Sauce contains roughly 1456 calories, with 66g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (132% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match meats according to your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative, and you could even incorporate ground lamb for a unique flavor. Just ensure the total weight remains about 3 pounds for the best balance of flavors.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Conversely, if you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of black pepper or omit it altogether. Remember, it's easier to add spices than to take them away, so start small!
What can I serve with tomato meat sauce?
Besides spaghetti, this tomato meat sauce pairs wonderfully with crustini for dipping or as a filling for stuffed peppers. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad complements the richness of the sauce, creating a well-rounded meal. You could even use it as a savory base for baked ziti or lasagna.
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).