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The Best Homemade Meat Sauce

Classic Italian-style meat sauce with ground beef, rich tomato base, and aromatic herbs — perfect for pasta, lasagna, and more.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.25 cup red wine optional

Equipment

  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Chop onion and mince garlic. Measure herbs and prepare tomatoes.
  2. Brown ground beef in olive oil until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Optional: Deglaze pan with red wine, simmer 2–3 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Simmer on low for 30–45 minutes, adding water or broth if too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Simmer slowly for maximum flavor. Sauce can be made ahead and freezes well.