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–+ servings

Italian Meat Sauce

This hearty Italian Meat Sauce is a rich, slow-simmered blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for pairing with pasta or layering in lasagna, it's a classic comfort food that brings deep flavor with every bite. Great for freezing and meal prepping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Course, Meal Prep, Pasta Dishes, Sauce
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef preferably 85% lean
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 can tomato paste 6 oz
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over pasta or use in your favorite Italian recipes.

Notes

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine during simmering or finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 13.5gProtein: 17gFat: 13.7gSaturated Fat: 4.8gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 585mgFiber: 3.2gSugar: 8g
Keyword freezer-friendly, ground beef, hearty, pasta, tomato sauce