Italian Meat Sauce is a hearty and versatile dish bursting with rich flavors. Combining lean ground beef, ground pork, and a medley of herbs, this sauce simmers to perfection with tomatoes, red wine, and a hint of brown sugar. Perfect over pasta or served with crusty bread, this sauce elevates any meal with its deep, complex flavors.
What makes this recipe special is the balance between the robust meat and the aromatic blend of parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, and nutmeg. A touch of Chianti or red wine adds sophistication, while brown sugar rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Italian Meat Sauce is a comforting and crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of meats and slow-simmered spices creates a deeply satisfying sauce.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spices and wine to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork (not sausage)
• Olive oil (a good swirl for sautéing)
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (preferably Contadina)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 tsp dried parsley
• 4 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried marjoram
• 2 dashes ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Chianti or good dry red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
1. Chop the red onion and mince the garlic.
2. Measure out all other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Onions
1. Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the chopped red onion for 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef and ground pork. Cook for 8–10 minutes until browned.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Meat
1. Add parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
2. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Mixture
1. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
2. Pour the tomato mixture into the pot with the seasoned meat and stir thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
1. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Wine and Final Simmer
1. Stir in the Chianti or red wine and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance flavors.
2. If the sauce is too thick, stir in additional chicken broth until desired consistency is achieved.
3. Serve hot over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a base for lasagna.
Tips
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth.
• Enhance Flavor: Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth.
• Freeze It: This sauce freezes beautifully; portion into containers for quick meals.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Italian Meat Sauce is a classic, flavorful recipe that’s easy to make and versatile enough for various dishes. From spaghetti dinners to baked casseroles, this rich sauce will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Italian cuisine!
