Easy Meat Sauce

Easy Meat Sauce is a rich, hearty, and savory tomato-based sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s a versatile and family-friendly recipe that comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta, lasagna, or even zoodles. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this meat sauce delivers flavor and comfort with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Ready in under an hour
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
• Great with any pasta or layered in casseroles
• Customizable to your taste preferences

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

this recipe

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped fresh herbs if using.
9. Serve over cooked pasta or as desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Stir in a splash of red wine for depth
• Try with Italian sausage for bolder flavor
• Use fresh herbs like oregano or basil for freshness

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot

FAQs

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, both work—crushed tomatoes will give a chunkier texture while sauce is smoother.

Is this meat sauce spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—it’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, it freezes very well for up to 3 months.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer it uncovered to reduce liquid, or add a bit more tomato paste.

What kind of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or any hearty pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, diced carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great.

Is it okay to use ground pork or sausage?

Yes, they add a rich flavor and are common in traditional sauces.

Do I need to use sugar?

Only if the tomatoes are too acidic—add a small pinch to balance the flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough pot and adjust cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Meat Sauce is a go-to recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, using it in a lasagna, or freezing it for later, this classic sauce is endlessly adaptable and always satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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