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–+ servings
Italian Meat Sauce

Homemade Italian Meat Sauce: Comforting Flavor in Every Bite

This Homemade Italian Meat Sauce offers a rich, authentic flavor that elevates any pasta dish and captures the essence of traditional cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with canola or avocado oil.
  • 1 large Sweet Onion (diced) Yellow onion is a fine alternative.
  • 2 pounds Lean Ground Beef or Ground Veal Turkey can be used for a leaner option.
  • 4-6 cloves Garlic (minced) Use garlic powder in a pinch (1 tsp = 1 clove).
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated Garlic Omit if using solely fresh garlic.
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Use cracked black pepper for richer flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can substitute with more tomato puree.
  • 1 can (28 ounces) Ground Peeled Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 can (28 ounces) Tomato Puree Can replace with more ground tomatoes.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil (finely chopped or torn) Use 1 tablespoon dried basil if fresh isn't available.
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar Can be omitted for a more acidic sauce.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Instructions for Italian Meat Sauce
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced sweet onion and cook until translucent, about 5-8 minutes.
  2. Stir in 4-6 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Introduce 2 pounds of lean ground beef or ground veal to the pot, cooking for 8-10 minutes until browned.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper, stirring well.
  5. Add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to darken.
  6. Pour in 1 can (28 ounces) of ground peeled tomatoes and 1 can (28 ounces) of tomato puree, mixing thoroughly. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh basil.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This sauce freezes beautifully! Make a double batch to enjoy homemade goodness whenever the craving strikes.

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