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
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.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of beef, pork, and veal.
- This sauce can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
- The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor develops.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
