Why You’ll Love Italian Meat Sauce Recipe
This sauce delivers classic Italian-inspired flavor with deep, robust tomato richness and savory meatiness. Simmering the sauce low and slow allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a versatile sauce that you can serve with pasta, use in casseroles, or freeze for later. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that elevates everyday meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
olive oil
medium yellow onion
garlic cloves, minced
ground beef
spicy Italian sausage (or sweet/mild Italian sausage or ground pork)
tomato paste
dry red wine
San Marzano tomatoes with juices
Parmigiano Reggiano rind
salt & black pepper to taste
Directions
-
Crush the canned tomatoes with your hands in a bowl.
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the diced onion until soft, then add the minced garlic and cook briefly.
-
Add the ground beef and sausage; season with salt and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
-
Pour in the red wine and cook until it reduces slightly.
-
Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices along with the Parmigiano Reggiano rind. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Cover partially and simmer on low heat for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and richly flavored. Discard the cheese rind before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 9 cups of sauce, which can serve about 8–10 people when paired with pasta or used in a baked dish.
Prep time: ~25 minutes
Cook time: ~4 hours
Total time: ~4 hours 25 minutes
Variations
-
Substitute half sweet and half spicy Italian sausage for a balanced flavor.
-
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano toward the end of cooking for a bright herbal note.
-
Include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
-
For a heartier sauce, brown diced pancetta or ground pork with the other meats.
-
Use this sauce as the base for baked ziti or lasagna layers.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
What type of sausage should I use?
Use spicy Italian sausage for bold flavor, or swap in sweet or mild sausage if you prefer a gentler profile. You can also add ground pork or a mix of meats for variation.
Can I skip the red wine?
Yes, you can omit the red wine if needed. The sauce will still be tasty, though the wine adds depth and richness.
Do I need a Parmigiano Reggiano rind?
No, it’s optional. The rind adds savory complexity, but the sauce will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready.
How should I serve this sauce?
Serve over your favorite pasta shapes, in a baked pasta dish, or as part of lasagna layers.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Do I need to simmer for 4 hours?
Simmering for several hours deepens the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can simmer at least 1–2 hours with good results.
What pasta goes best with this sauce?
Hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or pappardelle help hold the chunky meat sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta or grain alternatives like zucchini noodles or polenta for serving.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer uncovered to reduce and thicken, or mash some of the tomatoes against the pot sides during cooking to help it naturally thicken.
Conclusion
This Italian meat sauce recipe yields a deeply flavorful, versatile sauce that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. With simple ingredients and a slow simmer, it transforms into a rich, savory base that pairs wonderfully with pasta, baked dishes, or as a make-ahead meal you’ll return to again and again.
Italian Meat Sauce
A rich and hearty Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for serving over pasta or using in lasagna.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in sugar and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chopped basil just before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender before adding basil.
- You can use all beef or all sausage depending on preference.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or use in baked dishes like lasagna.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
