Perfect Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This perfect Italian meat sauce is rich, flavorful, and simple to make. It combines tender ground beef with fragrant herbs and San Marzano tomatoes to create a delicious base for any pasta dish. A classic recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced very fine
• 2 cloves garlic, diced very fine
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Sugar (optional): a pinch at a time if the sauce tastes too acidic

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil.
2. Step 2: Add the red pepper flakes, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the onions from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the ground beef and brown on all sides, breaking up the meat as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked onions to the pan and mix with the ground beef.
6. Step 6: Add the garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring frequently.
7. Step 7: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Add the salt, dried oregano, and fresh basil leaves, then stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
10. Step 10: Serve hot with your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage.
• Add a splash of red wine before simmering for added depth.
• Use fresh oregano if available for a brighter herb flavor.
• Simmer the sauce longer (up to an hour) for a thicker, more concentrated taste.
• To keep the sauce saucy, add a bit of beef broth or pasta cooking water as needed.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used, but keep in mind the flavor and fat content will vary. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain richness.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

No need to peel if you use high-quality crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and texture make the sauce smooth without extra prep.

Perfect Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

This Perfect Italian Meat Sauce recipe is a classic, rich, and flavorful tomato-based sauce made with lean ground beef, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta to create a comforting and authentic Italian meal.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb Ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced very fine
• 2 cloves garlic, diced very fine

Tomato and Seasonings

• 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Oils

• 1 ½ tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

1. Heat Pan and Sauté Onions: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the red pepper flakes, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Set Onions Aside: Remove the cooked onions from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pan, add the ground beef and brown it evenly on all sides, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
4. Combine Onions with Meat: Return the sautéed onions to the pan and mix them thoroughly with the browned beef.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the finely diced garlic and cook for an additional one minute to release its fragrance.
6. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the pan. Add the kosher salt, dried oregano, and fresh basil leaves. Stir everything to combine.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and add more salt if necessary, and optionally add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic. Serve hot with your choice of pasta and enjoy!

Notes

• Use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
• San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their sweet and rich flavor, but canned whole tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust the amount according to taste.
• A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
• Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken naturally.

Keywords: Italian meat sauce, homemade meat sauce, pasta sauce, San Marzano tomato sauce, classic Italian recipe