Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Secret to a Perfect Italian Meat Sauce
• Why This Recipe Works
• Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Flavor
• Tips for Making the Best Italian Meat Sauce
• Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with This Sauce
• How to Store and Reheat
• Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

Discover how to make the perfect Italian meat sauce with rich, bold flavors. This simple yet classic recipe brings authentic Italian taste to your home, making it an excellent choice for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn the best tips, ingredient pairings, and storage methods for a truly satisfying dish.

Introduction: The Secret to a Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

Italian meat sauce is a staple in any home kitchen, offering deep, comforting flavors that pair beautifully with pasta. At Betty Cooks, we love sharing simple and delicious recipes that make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable. This dinner recipe is easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and a favorite for family meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to an unforgettable Italian meat sauce is slow cooking and layering flavors. Browning the meat, adding aromatic herbs, and letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld together, creating a robust and savory taste. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will never disappoint.

Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Flavor

Using quality ingredients is crucial for achieving an authentic Italian taste. From the best ground beef to rich tomato sauce and flavorful herbs, each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese add the finishing touch for a restaurant-quality meal.

Tips for Making the Best Italian Meat Sauce

• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for added depth.
• Brown the meat well before adding the tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes—longer if possible—for a richer taste.
• Don’t forget the fresh herbs! They bring a vibrant finish to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with This Sauce

This hearty sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also an excellent choice for lasagna or baked ziti.

How to Store and Reheat

To make this meal even more convenient, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain its smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Italian meat sauce is easier than you think, and it’s one of the best ways to bring authentic flavors to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this rich and savory sauce will always be a hit. Try it today and elevate your next pasta night!

Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

A rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce, perfect for pairing with pasta. This classic dinner recipe is easy to make and packed with deep, savory flavors.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, dinner recipes, easy recipes, easy recipes ninja creami, recipes for dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in red wine (if using) and add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
6. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to 2 hours. You can also make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.