Papa's Favorite Pasta Sauce

Indulge in the comforting, homestyle flavors of *Papa's Favorite Pasta Sauce*, a rich and hearty recipe that's guaranteed to become the star of your family dinner table. This savory sauce combines the robust taste of ground beef and Italian sausage with the sweetness of crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar, perfectly balanced by aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of classic Italian spices like oregano and basil. Simmered to perfection for an hour, the sauce develops a velvety texture and deep, layered flavors, making it the ultimate pairing for your favorite pasta. Whether topped with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or a generous helping of grated parmesan cheese, this crowd-pleasing sauce is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Ideal for search terms like "classic pasta sauce," "authentic meat sauce recipe," and "best Italian pasta sauce," this recipe is a must-try for lovers of comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water or beef broth. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh parsley and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Serve hot over your favorite pasta, and top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1803.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2377.7

Total Fat 183.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 497.5mg	0%
Sodium 5452.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 125.1g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 419.8mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 4859.7mg	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: 67.0%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 12.7%