Imagine a sauce so rich, so perfectly balanced, that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a culinary journey through the heart of Italy. This legendary Italian Meat Sauce isn't just a recipe—it's a time-honored tradition that brings families together and turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home cooking with this mouthwatering, restaurant-quality sauce that takes just over an hour to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Instructions
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can make it taste bitter.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, stirring to combine and create a smooth sauce.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add a portion of the meat sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls, topping with additional meat sauce. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 ratio) for maximum flavor and richness.
- Take your time when browning the meat—developing those deep, caramelized flavors is key to a memorable sauce.
- Don't rush the simmering process. The longer the sauce cooks on low heat, the more the flavors will meld and intensify.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce is simmering.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can thin it out with a little pasta water or beef broth.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
