My Mama's Meat Sauce

Rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, "My Mama's Meat Sauce" is the ultimate comfort food recipe that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. This slow-simmered sauce features a savory blend of ground beef and pork, aromatic garlic and onions, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil, all brought together with robust crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar for balance. The secret lies in cooking the sauce low and slow, allowing the flavors to deepen to perfection. Ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta or using as a base for lasagna, this versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe is both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a meal-prep staple, this meat sauce will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0 optional Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and ground pork, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 5

Push the meat to one side of the skillet and add the tomato paste to the empty space. Cook the paste for 1 minute, mixing it with the meat after it starts to darken in color.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water (or beef broth), stirring to combine everything evenly.

Step 7

Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate.

Step 8

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially with a lid, and let the sauce cook for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Stir in fresh parsley, if using, just before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot over your favorite pasta or use as a base for lasagna. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1958.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2279.8

Total Fat 159.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 508.2mg	0%
Sodium 3899.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 76.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.7g
Protein 150.7g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 451.0mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 4398.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.1%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 13.1%