My Neighbor's Meat Sauce

Savor the rich, slow-simmered flavors of "My Neighbor's Meat Sauce," a hearty, homemade recipe that's perfect for pasta, lasagna, or any comforting Italian-inspired dish. This classic meat sauce combines tender ground beef and pork, aromatic garlic and onions, and a vibrant tomato base enhanced with dried herbs, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Simmered to perfection for over an hour, this sauce develops a deep, robust flavor that's irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep and freezer-friendly versatility, it's the ideal recipe for batch cooking or a cozy family dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over your favorite pasta for an unforgettable meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and ground pork. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. This should take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess fat from the pot, if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Simmer the sauce for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken and develop a deep, rich flavor during this time.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper as desired.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Step 12

Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta, in lasagna, or as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

Step 13

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1918.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2410.3

Total Fat 170.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 517.2mg	0%
Sodium 4717.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.0g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 151.2g	0%

Vitamin D 28.1IU	0%
Calcium 384.2mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 3530.2mg	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: 63.0%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 12.1%