Meat Sauce Recipe

This killer meat sauce recipe comes straight from my father-in-law’s kitchen, and it’s hands down the best—everyone’s obsessed. It’s thick, hearty, and loaded with flavor, thanks to a mix of beef, veal, and pork, plus those classic spices you can tweak your way. Get that pot simmering on the stove this Sunday!

Sunday dinners at my grandma’s were all about pasta—she’d whip up everything from lasagna and stuffed shells to rigatoni with sausage and peppers, or just good ol’ spaghetti with sauce

📋 Recipe Overview

Name: Meat Sauce Recipe
Yield: About 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American
Great With: Spaghetti, penne, lasagna, baked ziti, or even stuffed peppers

🛒 Ingredients

Meat & Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
½ pound ground pork or Italian sausage (optional but adds richness)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped

Tomatoes & Seasoning:

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon thyme or Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

For Depth (Optional but Recommended):

½ cup beef broth, red wine, or water
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Meat

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Stir in ground beef (and pork or sausage, if using). Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 8–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

🍅 Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Seasoning

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and optional wine or broth.
Season with oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and sugar.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

🕒 Step 3: Simmer Low & Slow

Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce in the last 5 minutes for extra umami.

🍝 Step 4: Taste & Serve

Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve over pasta, in lasagna, or cool completely and store for later.

🕓 Time Breakdown

Task	Time
Prepping ingredients	15 minutes
Browning & Sautéing	10 minutes
Simmering	45 minutes–1 hour
Total Time	~1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

🔥 Intensity Level: Easy

This recipe is beginner-friendly and mostly hands-off once everything’s in the pot. The only thing to watch is not overcooking the meat or scorching the bottom during simmering. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop, making this a fantastic low-effort high-reward recipe.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:
Cool the sauce completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in portions (1–2 cups each) in freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat:
Warm in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

🍽️ What to Serve It With

This versatile meat sauce can be used in so many ways! Here are some classics:

Over spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne
Layered into lasagna
Stuffed into bell peppers
Served over zoodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option
Spooned over garlic bread as a quick meatball sub filling
Topped with shredded Parmesan, fresh basil, or a dollop of ricotta

Bonus: Make it a full meal with a side salad and warm breadsticks!

🧾 Nutrition Information (Per ½ cup serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	10g
Sugars	5g
Protein	14g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on meat type and added salt.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

Turkey Meat Sauce: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
Vegetable-Heavy: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
No Pork: Use only beef or try ground chicken.
Chunky vs. Smooth: Blend half the sauce if you prefer a smoother texture.

🥄 Equipment Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife & cutting board
Can opener
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle (for serving or freezing portions)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better the next day. Let it cool, store in the fridge overnight, and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe doubles well and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future dinners.

Q: Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
You can, but adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors. Avoid sauces that already contain sugar or herbs unless you want a shortcut.

Q: Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes—just brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This homemade meat sauce recipe is a tried-and-true staple every home cook should master. It’s rich, flavorful, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everything from casual weeknights to cozy Sunday dinners.

Whether you ladle it over noodles or freeze it for future lasagna, this hearty sauce delivers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. One batch, many meals, and always delicious.

💬 Tried This Recipe?

We’d love to see your creation! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag us on Instagram at #MyMeatSauceMagic. Let us know how you served it—classic spaghetti? Baked pasta? Something totally new?

📋 Recipe Overview