Make a flavorful and hearty meat sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, and more. This recipe combines ground beef, Italian sausage, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base to create a versatile sauce with robust flavor. Simmered to perfection, this classic meat sauce recipe is a go-to for weeknight dinners and meal prep. Packed with protein and made with pantry staples, it pairs well with spaghetti, penne, or garlic bread. Quick to prepare and freezer-friendly, this dish is an ideal choice for busy schedules or family meals.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy; casings removed if necessary)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon white sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Onion:
Heat olive oil in a large pot, Dutch oven, or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 2–3 tablespoons for flavor.
Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
Incorporate the Liquids and Seasoning:
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavors, simmer for up to an hour or more, stirring occasionally. Adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Add extra beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Season and Serve:
Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, sausage, and seasonings creates a robust and savory sauce.
Versatile: Perfect over pasta, as a base for lasagna, or even served with crusty bread.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight dinners.

Tips

Meat Options: You can use all beef or substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
Tomato Paste: Enhances the depth of flavor—don’t skip this step.
Longer Simmering: If time permits, cook the sauce for 1–2 hours to deepen the flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with diced mushrooms and lentils.
Wine: Substitute 1/2 cup of beef broth with red wine for added richness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but you’ll need to blanch, peel, and crush them for a similar texture.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve over classic spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Use as a filling for baked pasta dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells.