If you are looking for a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe is a must-try. Perfectly balancing savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and a melange of aromatic herbs, this sauce simmers to create a luscious, thick texture that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor, texture, and inviting color. From the sweetness of the onions to the richness of the meat and the depth of the herbs and tomatoes, every element brings something special.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor and a smooth sauté base for your onions.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that mellows upon cooking.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty, meaty texture and richness.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds a flavorful, spiced dimension that sets this sauce apart.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Brings a fragrant punch of savory aroma and depth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Forms the vibrant, tangy base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and umami richness, keeping the sauce juicy.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses classic Mediterranean notes.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, peppery herbal touch.
- White sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity and enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors.
How to Make Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming your olive oil in a pot, Dutch oven, or braiser over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. This step sets the foundational sweetness and aroma that wakes up the entire sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage right into the pot with the softened onions. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown nicely over 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t be shy about spooning out some excess fat—leaving a few tablespoons behind will keep the sauce rich and flavorful without feeling greasy.
Step 3: Garlic Gets in the Mix
Once the meat is beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute. This step releases that irresistible garlicky perfume that makes everyone’s mouth water.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, white sugar, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. When the mixture bubbles up, turn the heat down, cover the pot slightly ajar, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. The longer you let it cook, the richer and deeper the flavors develop. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat to keep it just at a simmer. If it gets too thick, add a splash more beef broth.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, generously season with salt and pepper to taste. This final seasoning pull really brings all the tastes together and makes the sauce sing. Ladle it over your favorite pasta, and prepare to enjoy some serious comfort-food magic.
How to Serve Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the sauce’s presentation and flavor. Consider sprinkling a handful of freshly torn basil leaves, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add bright, savory touches that pop with each bite.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, garlic bread, or a crisp mixed green salad. The side dishes add freshness and contrast, balancing the richness of the meat sauce and filling out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sauce over polenta or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or baked pasta casseroles. You can even simmer it longer and use it as a hearty topping on homemade pizzas. The versatility of this Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe makes it perfect for many creative meals beyond just spaghetti.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and you probably will—store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better as the flavors continue to meld, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick meals.
Freezing
This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy dinner solution that feels just like homemade.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheats well too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef in this Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds extra flavor and spice, you can use only ground beef if preferred or more readily available. Just season your sauce to taste to compensate for the sausage’s seasoning.
Is it okay to substitute other herbs for Italian seasoning?
Yes, you can customize the herb profile depending on your preference. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary work wonderfully too, but make sure to adjust quantities since fresh herbs are usually more potent.
Can this sauce be made in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method often results in an even more deeply flavored sauce.
Do I need to add sugar to the recipe?
The sugar helps balance acidity from the tomatoes, but if you prefer to avoid added sugar, taste the sauce first before adding. Sometimes the natural sweetness from the onions and tomatoes is enough.
What pasta types work best with this meat sauce?
This Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe shines over classic spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle. It’s thick enough to cling beautifully to almost any pasta shape, so feel free to choose your favorite!
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe is a deliciously satisfying crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and versatile. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, it’s a fantastic dish to add to your cooking repertoire. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.
Print
Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and hearty Italian-style meat sauce combining ground beef and Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for serving over pasta to create a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, see note)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a pot, Dutch oven, or braiser over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the Meats: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook while breaking apart the meat with a spoon until browned thoroughly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor if desired.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, white sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a bubble, reduce heat, partially cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for at least 30 minutes up to an hour or more. Stir occasionally and maintain a gentle simmer, adjusting heat as necessary. Add more beef broth to thin if needed.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper generously. Serve the meat sauce hot over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage with casings removed for better texture integration in the sauce.
- White sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and can be adjusted according to taste.
- Simmering longer enhances the depth of flavor; feel free to cook for over an hour if time permits.
- To thin the sauce, add additional beef broth gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat; omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
