When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a big, steaming bowl of pasta topped with a thick, slow-simmered Homemade Meat Sauce. I remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday afternoons, the air thick with the aroma of garlic, onions, and sweet tomatoes. She always insisted that a good Homemade Meat Sauce couldn’t be rushed; it needed time to develop its character, much like a good story. That kitchen was where I learned that cooking isn’t just about following a set of instructions—it’s about the love you pour into the pot. Today, I am sharing my perfected version of that legacy, a Homemade Meat Sauce that brings that same warmth and hearty satisfaction to your own dinner table. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal for two, this Homemade Meat Sauce is the answer to all your culinary cravings.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Depth of Flavor: By using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, this Homemade Meat Sauce achieves a complex, savory profile that one-meat sauces simply can't match.
• Family-Tested & Approved: This Homemade Meat Sauce has been refined over years of family gatherings, ensuring it appeals to both picky toddlers and discerning foodies.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a massive batch of this Homemade Meat Sauce and it actually tastes better the next day!
• Versatility: Use this Homemade Meat Sauce for spaghetti, lasagna, or even as a base for a Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole twist.

Key Ingredient Notes

The Meat Blend

The secret to a truly spectacular Homemade Meat Sauce lies in the meat itself. While you can use 100% ground beef, I highly recommend a 50/50 split of lean ground beef and mild or spicy Italian sausage. The sausage provides built-in seasoning and a richness that elevates the Homemade Meat Sauce to restaurant quality. If you prefer a leaner Homemade Meat Sauce, stick with 90/10 beef, but don't skip the step of browning it thoroughly to lock in those juices.

The Tomato Trinity

To get the perfect texture in your Homemade Meat Sauce, I use a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. The crushed tomatoes provide bulk and a rustic feel, the sauce adds smoothness, and the paste provides that deep, concentrated tomato essence that makes a Homemade Meat Sauce feel like it has been cooking for days. Always look for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results in your Homemade Meat Sauce.

The Aromatic Foundation

Never underestimate the power of fresh onions, carrots, and celery. Known as a soffritto in Italian cooking, this trio provides a subtle sweetness and earthy undertone to the Homemade Meat Sauce. When these vegetables melt into the Homemade Meat Sauce, they create a thick, velvety consistency that is purely addictive.

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips

Creating a masterpiece Homemade Meat Sauce is all about the process of layering flavors. We start by browning the meats in a heavy-bottomed pot. This is crucial because the browned bits (the fond) at the bottom of the pan are flavor gold for your Homemade Meat Sauce. Once the meat is cooked through, drain the excess grease but leave just enough to sauté your vegetables. This ensures your Homemade Meat Sauce is rich but not oily.

Next, add your finely diced aromatics. Pro tip: The smaller you dice them, the more they will "disappear" into the Homemade Meat Sauce, giving you all the flavor without large chunks of carrot or celery. Once the onions are translucent, stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Let the paste cook for 2 minutes until it turns a dark brick red; this removes the raw metallic taste and deepens the Homemade Meat Sauce color. If you are looking for another hearty beef dish, you might also enjoy our Stuffed Rigatoni with Beef Ragu.

Finally, pour in your tomatoes and herbs. This Homemade Meat Sauce benefits from a "low and slow" approach. Simmering for at least 45 minutes allows the acidity of the tomatoes to mellow and the herbs to infuse every drop of the Homemade Meat Sauce. If the Homemade Meat Sauce gets too thick, splash in a little beef broth or red wine to loosen it up. Always taste your Homemade Meat Sauce at the very end to adjust the salt and pepper.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

While this Homemade Meat Sauce is perfect over traditional spaghetti noodles, don't be afraid to get creative! For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté. For a creamier Homemade Meat Sauce, stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta just before serving. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in Basics Glass Food Storage containers, which keep the Homemade Meat Sauce fresh without staining. This Homemade Meat Sauce also makes a fantastic topping for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash if you are watching your carbs. For a full Italian feast, serve your Homemade Meat Sauce with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.

Nutrition Information

The Homemade Meat Sauce is a staple that every home cook should master. It is comforting, reliable, and tastes like home. I hope this Homemade Meat Sauce brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years. Happy cooking!

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Rich & Hearty Homemade Meat Sauce

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A slow-simmered, traditional Italian-style meat sauce featuring a blend of beef and sausage for ultimate flavor.

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, finely grated
2 stalks celery, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth or dry red wine
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned.
Step 2: Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pot and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
Step 3: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (or wine), oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese.

Notes

For best results, let the sauce sit for 15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dishes & Sides
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 65mg