Meat Sauce Recipe – A Warm Hug in a Bowl

There’s something truly special about the savory aroma of meat sauce bubbling away on the stove. It takes me back to my childhood, where Sunday dinners were filled with laughter and the delicious scents of home-cooked meals. The enticing smell of onions caramelizing and garlic sautéing always brought the whole family to the kitchen, eager to enjoy a hearty meal together. Today, I want to share with you my beloved Meat Sauce recipe, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 lbs. ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost)
• 3/4 cup dry red wine
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons oregano
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes

How to Make It

1. Start with a Sizzle: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll hear that soft sizzle as the oil warms up. Add the onions and let them soften for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to turn golden and fragrant.

2. Season the Beef: While the onions are softening, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Crank up the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, crumbling it with a spatula for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to add the garlic and bell peppers; cook for an extra 3 minutes. The colors and smells will remind you of falling leaves in autumn.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Pour in the red wine, letting it dance around the pan as you scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom with a silicone spatula. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until just a little liquid remains, and that strong alcohol smell begins to fade.

4. Mix in the Goodness: Now’s the time to add the seasonings, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and sugar. Toss everything together until the beef is coated evenly.

5. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with all those delicious juices), and tomato sauce. Toss in the bay leaves, then bring it all to a bubbling boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it partially, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once it reaches your desired thickness, it’s time to serve. Ladle your rich and flavorful Meat Sauce over your favorite pasta. And don’t forget the garlic bread with cheese on the side—it’s simply a must!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: You can chop the onions and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so the prep is quicker on cooking day.
• Fix a Common Mistake: If your sauce is too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of water or beef broth while it simmers until you reach the perfect consistency.
• Creative Twist: Want to kick it up a notch? Add some mushrooms or grated carrots for extra depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness—kids often don’t even notice!

Serving Ideas

This Meat Sauce is perfect for any family meal. Gather around the table for Sunday brunch or a cozy night in, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting feast, or make a salad on the side to add some freshness. I love to serve it with a glass of red wine—it just feels right!

Storing & Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze portions for up to three months for a quick meal later. Just remember to label it!
• A fun way to use leftovers? Try making delicious meat sauce sandwiches with crusty bread or tossing it in a baked potato.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — this recipe is very forgiving. Ground turkey or chicken works well too.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch!

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

This Meat Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of comfort and nostalgia woven with memories of family time. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Try it out, make it your own, and bring warmth to your table with this flavorful dish. Happy cooking!

Making this beloved Meat Sauce could become a delightful tradition in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy every sip, every bite, and every moment.

Meat Sauce

A comforting and flavorful meat sauce perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 56 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 11 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost
• 3/4 cup dry red wine
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons oregano
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the onions and let them soften for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to turn golden and fragrant.
3. While the onions soften, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.

Cooking

1. Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, crumbling it with a spatula.
2. Add the garlic and bell peppers and cook for an extra 3 minutes.
3. Drain off any excess grease and pour in the red wine, scraping up the tasty bits from the bottom.
4. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until just a little liquid remains.
5. Add the seasonings, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and sugar. Toss everything until the beef is coated evenly.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the bay leaves and bring it to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving

1. Ladle your rich and flavorful Meat Sauce over your favorite pasta and serve with garlic bread.

Notes

Time-saving tip: Chop the onions and bell peppers ahead of time. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach the desired consistency. You can also add mushrooms or grated carrots for extra flavor.