Let’s talk comfort food. I’m not talking about just any comfort food, I am talking of the kind of comfort foods that wraps. Is it a good idea to hug your grandmother on Sunday?What is a homemade meat sauce?Is it exactly that? Is it the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own recipe? Forget jarred sauce, this is the real deal. Is it a million times better than bland stuff? I always think of it as the Italian version of chili, but, you know, served over pasta instead of a steamed tomato. What do you serve with My kids beg for this all the time. And truthfully? So do I!
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What is a meat sauce?
Simply put, How do I make homemade meat sauce?What is a rich, savory sauce made primarily with ground meat (usually beef, but you can mix it up! ), tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Think of it as the heart and soul of Italian-American cuisine. What is slow-cooked food like? What is something truly unforgettable? What is the beauty of simplicity? It came straight from a trattoria in Italy. What is the best way to prepare a quick weeknight meal? Is it worth it?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? We’re talking layers upon layers of delicious goodness. The browned meat, the sweet tomatoes, and the fragrant herbs – it’s a symphony in your mouth! What I love about this is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the long simmering time scare you off. Is it mostly just simmers away happily on the stove while you do other things? Is it cost effective? How much ground beef can feed a family of four? What are some of the most versatile recipes? Serve it over pasta, use it as a base for lasagna, or even spoon over polenta. Is jarred sauce more flavorful than a homemade sauce? What I love most is that I can tweak the recipe to my family’s preferences – sometimes I add a pinch of salt. I stir in a splash of cream at the end for extra kick, other times I mix it up with some red pepper flakes. I like to add some salt and pepper. Is it flexible?
How do I make homemade meat sauce?
Quick Overview
Making this How do I make homemade meat sauce?Is it easier than you think? It involves browning ground meat, sautéing vegetables, simmering everything in crushed tomatoes and a little bit of cheese. What’s your take on seasonings, and then letting it all hang out for a few hours? What makes this recipe special is the low and slow cooking process. This gives the flavors time to really develop and meld together, creating a sauce that’s incredibly good. Rich and complex. What’s your favorite TV show and why? What are chores done while it simmers away? Is it worth waiting for the results?
Ingredients
For the Base:
What is the best olive oil to use for this recipe? White onion works great. * 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. * 2 celery stalks, chopped: Don’t skip the Celery, it’s essential for the flavor base! * 2 cloves garlic, minced: I always add an extra clove or two because I love garlic. * 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination of both.
For the Sauce:
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard, but any good quality crushed tomatoes will do. * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: This helps to thicken the sauce. Adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor. * 1 cup beef broth: 1 tsp. Can you use chicken broth or vegetable broth? Adds a classic Italian flavor. * 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian herb. * 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best! * 1 bay leaf: Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
Optional additions:
* 1/4 cup red wine: Adds depth and complexity of flavor. * 1 tablespoon sugar: Does not add flavor to the wine. What is the best way to balance the acidity of tomatoes? * Pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little heat!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the sauce. Make sure the vegetables are nicely softened before moving on.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
What is the best way to cook ground beef in a pot? How do you drain off excess grease from meat? I always use a wooden spoon to break up meat into small pieces.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. I like to stir it constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well. If you’re using red wine, add it now. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer!
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you have a very large pot. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually simmer mine for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
After simmering, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. How do you make a sauce that is perfect for your taste buds?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the How do I make homemade meat sauce?I love it with rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
What should I serve it with?
This How can I make homemade meat sauce?Can be served in so many ways. What is a classic dish served over pasta? Spaghetti is always a winner, but rigatoni, penne, or even appardelle work beautifully too. If you’re looking for something different, try using it as a base for lasagna. What is the best way to add flavor to a dish? What are some great side dishes to serve with polenta? My family also loves it on toasted garlic bread, we call that the appetizer before the main course. Is it really great with everything?
What is a good weeknight meal? Serve over pasta with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
For a special occasion: For your special day. Use it as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.
For a cozy night in: Spoon it over polenta or serve it with crusty bread for dipping.
How do I make homemade meat sauce?
What are some of the best tips for a successful business owner?How do I make homemade meat sauce?From good to amazing!
Browning meat: What are some tipsDon’t overcrowd the pot when browning the meat. Brown it in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear. What is the best way to flavor a sauce? I always use a large pot or Dutch oven to give the meat plenty of room to brown.
Simmering time:The longer you simmer the sauce, the better it will taste. Aim for at least 2 hours, but 3 or 4 is even better. What is the best way to make a sauce that is thick and creamy?
Add sweetness: Adding If your sauce is too acidic, add a tablespoon of sugar or a grated carrot to balance the flavors. I find that a little bit of sweetness really enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Adding richness: For an extra rich sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end of the simmering time. This adds a luxurious touch to the sauce.
Herb additions: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can add a lot of flavor. Just be sure to add fresh herbs towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t lose their flavor.
Meat variations: Try using a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and ground pork for a more complex flavor. I also like to add a few chunks of beef chuck for extra richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This homemade meat sauce stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day! Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure the sauce is completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date so you know when you made it.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also thaw it in the microwave, but be sure to use the defrost setting to prevent it from cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, friends! Grandma Rosa’s famous homemade meat sauce. It’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your family too. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night or a special occasion. The rich, savory flavor and the aroma that fills your kitchen will transport you to Italy! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes, like my lasagna and my creamy tomato soup. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so leave a comment below. Also, if you tweak the recipe, I would love to hear about it so I can test it out!
Savory Beef Bolognese: A Delicious Italian Feast!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato puree
- 1 cup red wine optional
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped for garnish
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and salt, cooking until beef is fully cooked and onions are tender.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and red wine. Add sugar, thyme, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally for the flavors to meld. Add water if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or sugar as desired.
- Serve sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
