Sure, here’s a basic recipe for a delicious meat sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (you can also use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for added flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- If using, pour in the red wine and stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve the meat sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy your homemade meat sauce! Feel free to customize it with additional ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to suit your taste.
