The BEST Homemade Meat Sauce Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a batch of rich, hearty homemade meat sauce from scratch. This meat sauce is packed with flavor and is perfect for family pasta nights, lasagna, or as a filling for baked ziti.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully, so I always make extra to save for those busy nights when I need a quick, delicious dinner. It’s simple, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use other types of meat in this sauce?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef is classic, but you can use a mix of beef and pork, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Q: Does this sauce get better the longer it cooks?
A: Yes! While the sauce is delicious after 30 minutes, the longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors develop. If you have the time, simmer it for an hour or more for a richer sauce.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This sauce is great to make ahead. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance or freezing for future meals.
Q: Should I add sugar to the sauce?
A: A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional. Taste the sauce as it cooks, and adjust based on your preferences.
What You Need to Make Homemade Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
½ cup grated Parmesan (optional for serving)
Tools/Equipment:
Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
How to Make Homemade Meat Sauce
Cook the meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Add the oregano, basil, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir everything together.
Simmer the sauce:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Let it cook, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve over your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.
How to Freeze and Thaw This Delicious Meat Sauce
How to freeze:
Let the meat sauce cool completely after cooking.
Divide it into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving a little room for expansion.
Label each container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to thaw:
When ready to use, transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
For a quicker option, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting or reheat it on the stovetop directly from frozen over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Meat Sauce
Simmer longer for deeper flavor: If you have extra time, let the sauce simmer for an hour or more. The longer it simmers, the richer and more developed the flavors become.
Use fresh herbs for a pop of flavor: While dried herbs work perfectly, adding a handful of fresh basil or parsley at the end gives the sauce a bright, fresh finish.
Customize your sauce: Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Monica R.: “This meat sauce is amazing! I made a double batch and froze half for later—it thawed perfectly and tasted just as good as the day I made it.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ David P.: “This was a hit with my family! I let it simmer for an hour, and the flavor was so rich and hearty. I’ll definitely be making this again.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sarah T.: “Perfect weeknight dinner. I made this sauce ahead of time, froze it, and pulled it out on a busy night. It reheated beautifully and tasted great over spaghetti!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julia M.: “I added some mushrooms and it turned out fantastic! The sauce was thick, rich, and had a great flavor.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mark G.: “I love how easy this was to make. I used ground turkey, and it was still super flavorful. The leftovers tasted even better the next day!”
Printable Recipe Card
The BEST Homemade Meat Sauce Recipe
This rich and hearty Homemade Meat Sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or any dish needing a flavorful meat sauce. It freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional for serving)
Instructions
Cook the meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Add the oregano, basil, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir everything together.
Simmer the sauce:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Let it cook, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve over your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Homemade Meat Sauce as much as we do, be sure to share it with your friends and family! It’s perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, and it freezes wonderfully for future dinners. Snap a picture of your creation and tag us on social media.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for easy access the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish!
