Introduction

This rich and hearty meat sauce is perfect for a comforting pasta night. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, it simmers to a thick, savory finish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 lbs. ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup dry red wine
6 oz. tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
8 oz. tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons each of dried parsley, basil, mustard powder, and salt
1.5 teaspoons oregano
2 pinches red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.
Step 2: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, add the beef to the pot, and cook while crumbling for 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and diced green bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 3: Drain any excess grease from the pot. Pour in the red wine and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the liquid reduces and the alcohol aroma fades.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, sugar, and all dried seasonings. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.
Step 5: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and partially cover. Let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to redistribute the meat.
Step 6: Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta with garlic bread or cheese on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, use a full-bodied dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
Add chopped mushrooms or grated carrot along with the vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Simmering the sauce longer (up to 1.5 hours) can intensify its richness and thicken the texture.

Storage

Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meat sauce without wine?

Yes, you can omit the wine and replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or water. The wine adds depth but isn’t essential.

Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 45 minutes?

Simmering helps meld flavors and thicken the sauce, but if short on time, 20-30 minutes will still produce a tasty result.

Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

A hearty and flavorful meat sauce simmered to perfection, combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of tomatoes and seasonings, ideal for serving over your favorite pasta.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 lbs. ground beef (see notes)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup dry red wine (see notes)
6 oz. tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
8 oz. tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons salt
1.5 teaspoons oregano
2 pinches red pepper flakes

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and let them soften for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5 minutes until browned. Then add the minced garlic and finely diced green bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 minutes to combine flavors.
Deglaze with Wine: Drain any excess grease from the pot carefully. Pour in the dry red wine and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits. Allow the wine to cook down for 5 to 6 minutes until only a little liquid remains and the alcohol aroma has dissipated.
Add the Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the dried parsley, basil, mustard powder, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the seasonings.
Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the meat doesn’t settle at the bottom. Simmer until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and consistency.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Serve the rich meat sauce hot over cooked pasta of your choice, accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.

Notes

For best flavor, use ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 for juiciness and richness.
Dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well for deglazing and adding depth to the sauce.
If you prefer a milder sauce, adjust or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
The sauce can be made ahead and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Keywords: meat sauce, spaghetti sauce, homemade pasta sauce, ground beef sauce, Italian sauce, tomato sauce, hearty sauce