Classic Meat Sauce

A good meat sauce is a kitchen essential—rich, hearty, and perfect for everything from pasta to lasagna. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic recipe brings warmth and comfort to the table with every bite.

This recipe is a time-tested favorite, combining ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs to create a thick, flavorful sauce. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks yet tasty enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Pair this meat sauce with spaghetti, layer it in a baked ziti, or freeze it for later use. No matter how you serve it, it’s bound to become a staple in your home kitchen.

⏱️ Cooking Time and Serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

• Yield: About 5 cups of sauce

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a beef/pork blend)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 can (28 oz / 796 ml) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) tomato sauce or passata

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

2. Add garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Brown the meat:
   Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Season the mixture:
   Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the flavors combine for 1–2 minutes.

5. Incorporate tomato paste:
   Add the tomato paste and mix well to deepen the flavor. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Add tomatoes:
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Simmer low and slow:
   Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.

8. Taste and adjust:
   Taste your sauce—if it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. Add more salt or herbs as desired.

9. Serve:
   Spoon over cooked pasta, or use in lasagna, baked ziti, or as a pizza sauce base. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired.

📝 Notes

• You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine after browning the meat and let it reduce before adding tomatoes.

• The sauce freezes beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

• For a smoother texture, blend part of the sauce before serving.

• Double the batch and freeze half for quick future meals.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze meat sauce?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and cook them longer to achieve the same rich consistency.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I make it spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring the heat.

🥗 Nutrition Facts

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This recipe is intended for general use and enjoyment. Always consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have food allergies (especially to dairy, garlic, or tomatoes), please check all ingredient labels and consult a healthcare provider if unsure. Adjust ingredients as needed to meet your dietary needs.