Delicious Italian Meat Sauce

This incredible Italian meat sauce is the secret ingredient for so many classic dishes around my table thick and rich enough to spoon right from the pan but made for swirling into pasta or layering in baked favorites like lasagna. Every spoonful is packed with deep tomato flavor and plenty of tender bites of meat the kind of sauce that fills the kitchen with memories as it simmers.

I first made this sauce after my grandmother showed me her version and I have not stopped making it for family gatherings ever since It always brings people to the table and fills the house with the best aroma

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: adds flavor and is the foundation for sautéing choose a good quality for the best start
• Sweet onion: brings natural sweetness and depth look for ones that feel heavy
• Ground beef or ground veal: provides richness and body I like using at least eighty five percent lean for better texture
• Garlic: both fresh and granulated gives a double hit of savory complexity pick firm fresh cloves
• Kosher salt and pepper: season everything beautifully always taste as you go
• Tomato paste: deepens the sauce with umami try to find one in a tube for easy storing
• Ground peeled tomatoes: deliver pure tomato flavor choose a good quality imported brand if you can
• Tomato puree: makes the sauce luscious and smooth
• Basil: offers brightness and freshness fresh is best but dried basil works in a pinch
• Sugar: softens the acidity just enough do not skip it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics:

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat Add the diced sweet onion and stir frequently letting it cook for between five and eight minutes You are looking for the onions to turn translucent and start to sweeten which sets a delicious base

Toast the Garlic:

Once the onions are ready add the minced garlic to the pot Stir constantly for about thirty seconds let it go just until fragrant but do not let it brown This wakes up the flavors without any bitterness

Brown the Meat:

Add your ground beef and veal if using Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over Pick lean meat so you are not left with too much fat in the pan If you do end up with lots of fat skim some off with a spoon but keep in mind a bit of fat is just flavor If you see extra liquid simply let it simmer and evaporate

Season Generously:

Sprinkle in the granulated garlic kosher salt and pepper Stir well so all the meat is evenly seasoned You want every bite to have flavor built in at this stage

Incorporate Tomato Paste:

Add tomato paste and stir thoroughly Cook it out for a minute or two until it loses its raw bright red color This step makes sure you get that deep tomato essence that holds the sauce together

Layer in Tomatoes Basil and Sugar:

Pour in the ground peeled tomatoes followed by the tomato puree Add the sugar and scatter in the basil Stir it all together and you will see it start to thicken up already

Simmer to Perfection:

Increase the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil then immediately lower to a simmer Let your sauce gently bubble for about an hour stirring occasionally This slow cook enriches the depth of flavor Taste towards the end and adjust salt and pepper as needed

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Every batch reminds me of Sunday dinners when my family would all squeeze into the kitchen There is nothing like fresh basil snipped from the garden and tossed right on top as it simmers You get that burst of herby aroma that says homemade

Storage Tips

Let the sauce cool fully before storing Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to five days For longer storage freeze in portioned containers and thaw in the fridge overnight It reheats best on the stove with a splash of water to loosen if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap ground turkey for a lighter version or use all beef or all veal if that is what you have If you do not have fresh basil dried works or try a spoonful of pesto stirred in at the end Canned diced tomatoes can replace peeled tomatoes but make sure to simmer longer for richness

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Serving Suggestions

This sauce transforms any pasta night but it is just as delicious spooned over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash You will love it tucked into stuffed peppers or layered in baked pasta casseroles Try sprinkling with cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving

Cultural and Family Connections

Slow simmered meat sauce is a pillar of Italian cuisine passed from generation to generation It is so much more than pasta topping at our house it means family time jazzy music and everyone dipping bread right in the pot Italian grandmothers always say the simmer is where all the love happens

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a mix of meats?

Yes, combine ground beef with veal or even pork to create a richer, more complex flavor in your sauce.

→ Why add sugar to this sauce?

A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother, more rounded taste.

→ How long should I simmer the sauce?

Simmer for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

→ Can this be made ahead and frozen?

Absolutely! This sauce freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.

→ What’s the best pasta for serving?

Thick strands like spaghetti or pappardelle, or baked dishes like lasagna, pair perfectly with this hearty sauce.