Description
Hearty and comforting Italian meat sauce packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ground beef (85% lean)
- 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced very fine
- 2 cloves garlic, diced very fine
- 1 1/2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 fresh basil leaves (or 1/2 tsp dry basil)
- 1/8 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- Sugar (optional: a pinch at a time if needed)
Instructions
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute.
- Toss in red pepper flakes, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove onions from the pot onto a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add ground beef and brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Add cooked onions back into the pot and mix well with beef.
- Add diced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, and fresh basil leaves. Stir to combine.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed before serving.
Notes
Pair the sauce with spaghetti or penne, and add grated Parmesan cheese on top. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian meat sauce, pasta sauce, family meal, quick recipes, comfort food