Easy Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion
diced
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
with juices
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup dry red wine
or beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper
diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 bay leaves
Directions
- 1
In a large pot, brown ground beef, onions, and garlic. Drain any fat.
- 2
Add in all remaining ingredients. Simmer covered on low for 1-hour stirring occasionally. Remove lid and simmer an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- 3
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Easy Meat Sauce
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Based on 67 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply flavorful, homemade meat sauce that's both comforting and incredibly versatile? This easy recipe delivers a rich, savory experience perfect for elevating your weeknight pasta or forming the heart of a hearty lasagna.
What makes this meat sauce truly stand out is its robust flavor profile and exceptional utility. It masterfully combines lean ground beef with a medley of aromatic vegetables and classic tomato products, all simmered together to create a sauce that's both satisfyingly hearty and wonderfully adaptable to your culinary needs.
Prepare for a deeply satisfying, full-bodied sauce brimming with the classic flavors of well-browned beef, sweet diced tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. The subtle bitterness of the green bell pepper and the fresh herbaceous notes of parsley provide balance, while a touch of dry red wine (or beef broth) adds an extra layer of complexity. This isn't a thin, watery sauce; it’s rich, thick, and promises a comforting, full-bodied experience that clings beautifully to pasta, reminding you of a slow-cooked Sunday dinner.
While fantastic as is, this meat sauce offers simple customization. You can easily swap the dry red wine for beef broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol, achieving a similar depth of flavor. For a touch more acidity or brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can be a delightful addition, though not strictly necessary.
This versatile Easy Meat Sauce is perfect for a comforting family dinner any night of the week. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta shape, perhaps with a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or use it as a foundational layer in your next show-stopping lasagna. A side of crusty bread would be the perfect accompaniment.