Making homemade meat sauce from scratch is easy and delicious. This homemade meat sauce recipe uses simple ingredients to create rich, hearty flavors perfect for pasta, lasagna, or pizza. Whether cooking for family or preparing meals ahead, this meat sauce always turns out amazing. You can make a big batch and freeze it for quick dinners later.
Why this meat sauce is special:
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients
- Ready in just 45 minutes
- Tastes better than store-bought
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Works with any pasta shape
Homemade Meat Sauce
A good meat sauce starts with quality ground beef and fresh ingredients. This sauce has a perfect balance of tomato flavor, meat, and Italian spices. The key is browning the meat properly and letting everything simmer together. Taking time to let it cook makes a huge difference in taste.
This sauce works for many meals. Pour it over spaghetti for classic dinner. Layer it in lasagna with cheese. Use it as pizza topping or stuff it into shells. One recipe gives you endless possibilities.
How to Make the Meat Sauce
Making meat sauce is simple when you follow the steps in order. Gather everything first so it’s ready when needed.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings:
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 bay leaves
Using 80/20 ground beef keeps the sauce moist and flavorful. Fresh garlic tastes much better than garlic powder.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the meat. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until completely browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
Step 2: Cook the aromatics Add chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasonings Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well. Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, sugar, and bay leaves. Mix until seasonings are spread throughout.
Step 4: Simmer, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and flavors will blend beautifully.
Step 5: Finish Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove bay leaves. Serve over pasta with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Meat options: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well. Mix half beef and half pork for richer flavor.
Storage: Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen sauce overnight in fridge. Heat gently on stove, adding water if too thick.
Serving ideas: Perfect over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Use in lasagna, on pizza, or over meatballs. Pour over zucchini noodles for low-carb option.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Cup Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
Based on 8 servings per recipe
This meat sauce provides good protein and important vitamins from tomatoes. Use leaner meat if you prefer less fat.
Conclusion
This easy homemade meat sauce recipe is perfect for every home cook. Simple ingredients create amazing flavor in under an hour. Store leftovers in the fridge for quick dinners or freeze portions for busy days. Your family will love it because it tastes so much better than jar sauce.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great. It makes lighter sauce with less fat. Brown it the same way as beef.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer without a lid to evaporate water. Add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste if needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown meat and onions first. Then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
What’s the best pasta for meat sauce?
Spaghetti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, and rotini all work well. Use whatever your family likes.
How long does it last in the freezer?
Properly stored meat sauce lasts up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
