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The Best Homemade Meat Sauce

Rich, hearty, and full of authentic Italian flavor, this homemade meat sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or freezing for later.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or mix with pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup red wine optional
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic.
  3. Pour in red wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in fresh basil and parsley before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or freezing for later.