Introduction
When it comes to comforting meals, nothing beats a hearty meat sauce served over spaghetti. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and Italian sausage with a robust tomato base and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this sauce can be simmered to perfection, ensuring every bite is filled with delicious flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Ground beef (1 pound)
– Italian sausage (1 pound)
– Large yellow onion, peeled and chopped (1)
– Fresh garlic, peeled and minced (4 cloves)
– Italian seasoning blend (2 teaspoons)
– Fresh chopped parsley (1/4 cup)
– Salt (1 teaspoon)
– Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
– Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon)
– Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
– Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
– Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano (14.5 ounces)
– Chicken broth (1 cup)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Enjoy this delightful meat sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible meal that brings everyone to the table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Seasonings
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 40 seconds. Stir in Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar.
Step 3: Combine the Tomatoes and Broth
Incorporate tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the pot.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer up to 2 hours.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the meat sauce over hot cooked spaghetti noodles or your preferred pasta, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This meat sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes, not just spaghetti.
Flavor Enhancement
For deeper flavor, consider simmering the sauce longer or adding a splash of red wine.
Storage Instructions
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Cook techniques
Cooking Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat for a leaner sauce.
Sautéing Aromatics
Once the meat is cooked, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 to 40 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile of the meat sauce.
Layering Flavors
Incorporate Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar into the meats and onions to build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Creating the Sauce Base
Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth after seasoning. This combination will create a rich and robust sauce.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally for the flavors to meld. For deeper flavors, extend the simmering time up to 2 hours.
Tasting and Adjusting Seasonings
Before serving, taste the sauce and make necessary adjustments to seasonings to achieve the desired flavor profile.
FAQ
Can I use only one type of meat instead of a combination?
Yes, you can use either only ground beef or only Italian sausage if you prefer. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How long can I simmer the sauce?
Simmering the sauce for at least 45 minutes is recommended, but you can simmer up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the meat?
Draining excess fat helps prevent the sauce from becoming greasy, making it leaner and more enjoyable.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
What pasta is best to serve with this meat sauce?
This meat sauce pairs well with spaghetti, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
Conclusion
This robust and flavorful meat sauce combines the rich tastes of ground beef and Italian sausage with a medley of tomatoes and aromatic herbs. The long, slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Serve it over your favorite pasta and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the meat sauce as a filling for bell peppers, combining it with cooked rice and additional seasonings. Bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious twist.
Lasagna
Layer the meat sauce with sheets of pasta, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese for a classic Italian lasagna. Bake until bubbly for a comforting dish.
Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce, place it in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden brown for a convenient and tasty meal.
Chili
Transform the meat sauce into a hearty chili by adding beans, corn, and extra spices. Serve it with cornbread for a satisfying dinner.
Meatball Subs
Form meatballs using the seasoned meat mixture from the sauce, cook them, and serve in a sub roll with additional sauce and melted cheese for a delicious sandwich.
Taco Filling
Slightly modify the seasoning by adding taco seasoning and serve in taco shells with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and lettuce for a fun taco night.
