Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce is a comforting and robust blend of ground beef and pork, simmered to perfection with aromatic herbs and rich tomatoes. Ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish, this sauce brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

The addition of red wine and a hint of brown sugar enhances the flavors, making it a delightful meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or canning it for later, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Perfect Italian Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs lean ground beef

1 lb ground pork (not sausage)

Good swirl of olive oil

1 red onion, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

15 oz can tomato sauce

12 oz can tomato paste

2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (Contadina recommended)

4 cups chicken broth

4 tsp dried parsley

4 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp dried marjoram

2 good dashes of ground nutmeg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup Chianti or good dry red wine

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating a good swirl of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until softened.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook until thoroughly browned. Then, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Drain Fat

Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot, then return the meat mixture to the heat.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the dried parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, nutmeg, and some salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Tomato Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and chicken broth.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the tomato mixture into the pot with the browned meat. Stir well and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Wine

After simmering, add the Chianti or dry red wine. Stir to combine and simmer for a few more minutes.

Canning (Optional): If you want to preserve the sauce, ladle it into hot quart jars and process in a pressure canner for 70 minutes at 10 lbs pressure.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful meat sauce with your favorite pasta dishes!

Notes:

Meat Variations: You can customize the meat combination based on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, though the flavor will be different.

Tomato Quality: Using high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano or Contadina, can greatly enhance the sauce’s flavor. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but they will require additional cooking time.

Herb Freshness: While dried herbs are convenient, using fresh herbs will elevate the taste. If using fresh, use three times the amount called for in the recipe.

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Simmer Time: For deeper flavor, consider simmering the sauce longer than the suggested 30 minutes. Letting it cook for an hour or more allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storing: The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months. If freezing, leave out the wine until you reheat the sauce.

Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for longer. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.

Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes, but it’s also delicious on polenta or as a base for baked dishes like casseroles.

Spice Level: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper while sautéing the onions.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even use a combination of meats like veal for added flavor.

Just ensure the meat is lean to avoid excess grease.

How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with lentils or a mix of mushrooms and textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the seasonings for a hearty flavor.

How long can I store the sauce?

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week.

If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Just ensure it’s in an airtight container.

What should I serve this sauce with?

This sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

It can also be used in lasagna, as a topping for baked potatoes, or served over polenta.

Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for longer.

If it’s too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

What type of ground beef should I use?

For the best flavor and texture, use lean ground beef, ideally around 80% lean to 20% fat.

This balance ensures the sauce remains rich without being overly greasy.

How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?

You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil and oregano, or by sautéing some bell peppers and carrots with the onion.

A splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of crushed red pepper can also elevate the taste.

Can I prepare this sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Just reheat gently on the stovetop.

What if I don’t have Chianti wine?

If you don’t have Chianti, any dry red wine will work well.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even a non-alcoholic red wine can be used.

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth.

How can I make the sauce gluten-free?

To make this sauce gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on your tomato products.

Additionally, you can serve it over gluten-free pasta.