Name: The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 bay leaves; 1 cup beef stock; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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If you’re looking for The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce to elevate your next pasta night, you’ve just discovered your new secret weapon. This deeply savory, rich sauce is exactly what you dream about when craving an authentic Italian meal at home—layered with the flavors of slowly simmered beef and pork, mingled together with sweet carrots, aromatic celery, and just the right touch of herbs. A splash of red wine, a swirl of creamy milk, and a finishing shower of fresh parsley and Parmesan take this hearty sauce over the top, making it a go-to for impressing family, friends, or truly treating yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item here plays its own unique role in building flavors and textures. The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce is all about starting simple, then coaxing out every nuance through slow simmering and careful seasoning.

Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adds a fruity base flavor that anchors the sauce.
Ground beef: Brings hearty texture and rich, savory depth—try for an 80/20 blend for juiciness.
Ground pork: Adds sweetness and succulence, and helps balance the beef’s intensity.
Onion (finely chopped): The backbone of almost every Italian sauce, releasing sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic (minced): Wakes up the entire pot with its aromatic power—don’t skimp!
Carrots (finely diced): Their natural sugars soften the acidity of the tomatoes and bring welcome color.
Celery (finely diced): Adds depth and an earthy undertone that’s absolutely essential.
Red wine: Use something you’d enjoy drinking—it intensifies the savory elements and helps deglaze the pot.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides a gorgeous, rich body and infuses the sauce with classic tomato flavor.
Tomato paste: A little goes a long way in adding concentrated umami and thickening the sauce.
Dried oregano: Lends an herby, Mediterranean note that marks this as unmistakably Italian.
Dried basil: Brightens the sauce with its sweet, peppery aroma.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat in the background, totally up to personal preference.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle, woodsy flavor that rounds everything out.
Beef stock: Deepens the sauce’s flavor and tenderizes the meat as it simmers.
Salt and black pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning throughout the long cook.
Whole milk or heavy cream: The secret to ultra-silky texture and just a touch of sweetness at the end.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a pop of vibrant flavor and color right before serving.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Extra savoriness and Italian authenticity, showered over at the table.

How to Make The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and pork together, breaking them up using a sturdy spoon. Let them sizzle and caramelize until deeply browned, stirring occasionally to get those little browned bits on the bottom—this is pure flavor! If too much fat renders out, feel free to spoon off the excess. Don’t rush; this is where depth begins for The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add your finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery directly into the browned meat. These humble veggies, a classic Italian soffritto, are the aromatic base of the sauce. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and their flavors meld—about 7-10 minutes. You’re aiming for translucency and fragrance here, creating the soul of your sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine, letting it bubble up as you gently scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the wine reduces slightly, leaving behind a deep, complex backdrop that makes The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce so irresistible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling feisty, bay leaves, and beef stock. Give everything a good mix and turn up the heat just until it starts to bubble. This blend is where all the magic happens, and as the flavors start mingling you’ll see the transformation into something truly mouthwatering.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce the heat to low so your sauce gently simmers uncovered. Stir occasionally, and let the sauce cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours so the flavors can develop and the texture become luxuriously thick. The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce is all about patience here—the longer, the better!

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Season

During the final 15 minutes, stir in the milk or heavy cream. This small touch smooths the acidity of the tomatoes and makes for a silky finish that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Fish out the bay leaves, season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper, and give it a good stir. Just before serving, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.

How to Serve The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce

Garnishes

Nothing completes The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce like a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese and a shower of bright, freshly chopped parsley. A swirl of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper can also make your plate pop. For a rustic Italian touch, serve with a wedge of lemon or a spoonful of ricotta on the side.

Side Dishes

This hearty, traditional sauce is tailor-made for twirling through al dente pasta—tagliatelle, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even creamy polenta. On the side, think garlic bread for dunking or a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus keep the meal balanced and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce isn’t just for pasta! Spoon it over cheesy baked potatoes, pile it into toasty sandwich rolls for an Italian sloppy joe, or fold it into lasagna layers. You can even use it as a robust pizza topping or serve with soft polenta for a cozy, comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your sauce cool down to room temperature before storing it. Transfer The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce into an airtight container and keep it refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making leftovers absolutely crave-worthy.

Freezing

This sauce is ideal for batch cooking! Pour cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little space for expansion), label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Having The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce ready in the freezer is like a dinner superpower.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen it if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef or just pork?

Absolutely! While the classic blend delivers more complexity, feel free to use just beef or just pork based on what you have. It will still result in a tasty and comforting meat sauce, though you might miss a little of the depth that comes from using both meats together in The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce.

Is it necessary to add red wine?

Red wine brings out robust flavors and helps deglaze the pan, but if you don’t have any or prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute with extra beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. The sauce will still shine!

What’s the best kind of pasta to pair with this sauce?

The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce shines brightest with sturdy pasta shapes like pappardelle, rigatoni, fettuccine, or classic spaghetti. Thick, wide noodles hold onto all that lusciousness, but honestly, you can’t go wrong—use what you love.

Can this meat sauce be made in advance?

Yes, in fact, it tastes even better made ahead! Prepare the sauce a day or two early and keep refrigerated. The flavors meld and blossom as it rests, making leftovers even more irresistible. It’s a game-changer for weeknight meals and pasta parties alike.

Is there a dairy-free option for the finishing touch?

If you’re avoiding dairy, simply leave out the milk or cream at the end. For a similar silky texture, try an unsweetened plant-based milk or a splash of good olive oil. The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce will still be wonderfully satisfying!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming or crowd-pleasing as The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce made from scratch. Whether you’re serving it over pasta for a family feast or tucking some away for a future comfort meal, this recipe truly delivers all the flavors of an Italian kitchen. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how much love and tradition can simmer in one pot!

The Most Delicious Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian meat sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for topping your favorite pasta. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables and herbs, this sauce is a classic favorite that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 cup beef stock
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and brown the meat: In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef and pork until browned. Remove excess fat if needed.
Add vegetables: Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
Deglaze with wine: Add red wine, scraping up any browned bits; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and beef stock. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Finish the sauce: Stir in milk or cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving over pasta with Parmesan.