Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure! This classic Italian-style tomato sauce with ground beef is not just a recipe—it's a journey of rich, robust flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 50 minutes, you'll create a sauce so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like a traditional Italian trattoria. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe is your ticket to an incredible meal that's both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring even cooking.
- Cook the ground beef until it is completely browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally. This should take about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet if desired, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the browned beef and onions. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should have a rich, deep flavor with a slightly thickened consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving over pasta, as a base for lasagna, or with your preferred accompaniment.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and texture.
- Always drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy sauce, but leave a small amount for richness.
- Use fresh garlic if possible—it makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the sauce.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the onions.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop a more complex and rich taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water or beef broth.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and store for quick future meals.
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to break down the tomatoes and beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 352kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg
