Are you ready to take your pasta night to the next level? This meat sauce recipe is a classic that combines savory ground meat with rich tomatoes and fragrant herbs, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this sauce is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this hearty recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or pork
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 and has a preparation time of 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is calculated for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well.
7. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more vibrant flavor, and you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Serving and Pairings
This meat sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or lasagna. You can also serve it with garlic bread or over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months for future meals.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the garlic; it can turn bitter.
– Avoid boiling the sauce; simmering enhances flavor.
– Use high-quality tomatoes for better taste.
– Don’t skip the seasoning; it’s crucial for flavor.
– Allow the sauce to rest before serving for deeper flavors.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
– Experiment with different meats for variety.
– Drizzle with olive oil before serving for richness.
– Pair with a good red wine for a perfect meal.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is this meat sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this meat sauce is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta or serve it over vegetables.
Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
Absolutely! Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce during cooking for an extra kick.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian sauce.
Conclusion
This meat sauce recipe is a versatile and comforting dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful sauce that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Meat Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
