Are you tired of bland, store-bought pasta sauces that leave you craving more? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this mouthwatering Tomato and Meat Pasta Sauce that brings the authentic flavors of Italy right to your kitchen! In just about an hour, you'll create a rich, hearty sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is your ticket to culinary glory.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary, then return it to the heat.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the meat and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the sauce to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve it over your choice of cooked pasta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Tomato and Meat Pasta Sauce!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef for the best flavor - aim for 80/20 lean to fat ratio.
- Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic to develop a deep, rich flavor base.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow is the key to a truly delicious sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of red wine during the cooking process.
- If you have time, let the sauce simmer for even longer to intensify the flavors.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - if possible, use fresh basil instead of dried.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months, making this a perfect meal prep recipe.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 314kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
