The Best Italian Meat Sauce Recipe for Dreamy Pasta Nights

Rich and hearty Italian meat sauce captures the essence of rustic culinary traditions, bringing warmth to your kitchen with its deep, complex flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved recipe, passing down techniques that reinvent simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered ingredients create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Robust and comforting, this sauce tells a story of passion and creativity in every spoonful.

Subtle nuances emerge from carefully balanced seasonings, promising a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary meal preparation.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you understand the magic behind crafting such a soulful dish.

You can want to savor every moment of creating this incredible sauce that connects you to time-honored cooking traditions.

Dishes That Pair Well with Italian Meat Sauce

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty sauce with a full-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the deep, savory flavors of the Italian meat sauce.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the tender meat.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the hearty meat sauce.
• Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh note that lifts the deep, complex flavors of the sauce.

Delicious Add-In Ideas for Italian Meat Sauce Variations

• Spicy Meat Sauce Remix: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during the seasoning step. The extra spice creates a bold, zesty flavor profile that will wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap the ground beef and pork with ground lamb for a rich, earthy alternative. Incorporate Greek herbs like fresh mint and rosemary to enhance the Mediterranean character of the sauce.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Transformation: Replace the meat with a mix of chopped portobello and cremini mushrooms for a hearty, umami-packed vegetarian version. Sauté the mushrooms until golden brown to develop deep, meaty flavors.
• Slow Cooker Simple Solution: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to become incredibly rich and tender.

Answers to Italian Meat Sauce FAQs

• What makes this Italian meat sauce different from other tomato sauces?

This sauce combines ground beef and pork for a richer, more complex flavor. The addition of multiple herbs like parsley, oregano, basil, and marjoram creates a deeper, more authentic Italian taste profile.

• Can I substitute the Chianti wine if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use any dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the wine with additional chicken broth or even beef broth.

• How long can I store this meat sauce?

The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little chicken broth to restore the original consistency.

• Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for batch cooking. It actually develops more flavor over time, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week with different pasta dishes.

Italian Meat Sauce That’s Robust and Slow-Simmered

• This robust meat sauce bursts with traditional Italian herbs and spices, delivering a genuine taste that transports your taste buds straight to a cozy kitchen in Tuscany.
• The step-by-step process ensures even beginners can create a restaurant-quality sauce with minimal cooking skills, using simple techniques like sautéing and simmering.
• The flexible recipe allows easy adjustments to suit personal preferences, whether you want to tweak seasoning, control thickness, or pair with different pasta types.
• This one-pot wonder comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredient Essentials for Italian Meat Sauce

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Hearty protein foundation for the sauce, rich in flavor and texture. Choose meat with moderate fat content for best results.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Classic Italian flavor builders, providing depth and fragrance. Fresh, firm vegetables work best.

• Parsley, Oregano, Basil, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Traditional Italian seasoning blend that creates complex, authentic taste profile. Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Crushed Tomatoes: Create rich, robust tomato base for the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes recommended for authentic flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Chicken Broth: Balance acidity and add subtle sweetness and depth. Helps create smooth, rounded sauce texture.

• Chianti or Red Wine: Adds sophisticated flavor complexity and traditional Italian character. Optional but recommended for authentic taste.

How to Make Italian Meat Sauce from Scratch

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Introduce ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, cooking until it browns evenly, approximately 8-10 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant oils.

Step 2: Build Flavor Profile

• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Basil
• Marjoram
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings and allow them to bloom for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Create Sauce Foundation

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes
• Brown sugar
• Chicken broth

Whisk ingredients until well incorporated. Pour the mixture into the pot with seasoned meat, stirring to create a cohesive sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce heat to low-medium. Allow sauce to gently simmer, partially covering the pot. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pour in Chianti or red wine, continuing to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the sauce carefully. Adjust seasonings as needed. If sauce seems too thick, splash in extra chicken broth. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance flavors. Serve piping hot over your favorite pasta or alongside crusty artisan bread.

Pro Tips for Depth and Flavor in Italian Meat Sauce

• Prep Like a Pro: Chop all ingredients beforehand to make cooking smooth and stress-free, ensuring everything is ready when you need it.
• Brown Meat Perfectly: Cook ground beef and pork until deeply browned, creating rich caramelized flavors that enhance the sauce's overall taste and complexity.
• Layer Herbs Strategically: Toast herbs briefly in the pan to release their essential oils and maximize their aromatic potential before adding liquid ingredients.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding chicken broth gradually, preventing the sauce from becoming too thin or remaining too dense.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a good quality Chianti or dry red wine that you'd enjoy drinking, as it significantly impacts the sauce's depth and flavor profile.

How to Save and Reheat Your Italian Meat Sauce Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let the sauce cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Flat, sealed bags save more freezer space.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir until heated thoroughly and serve over fresh pasta.

Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty lasagna bolognese delivers rich, complex layers of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs simmered to perfection. Creamy béchamel and perfectly al dente pasta sheets create an irresistible harmony you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Base:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork

Tomato Base:

• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 12-ounce (340 grams) can tomato paste
• 2 28-ounce (794 grams) cans crushed tomatoes

Herbs, Spices, and Liquid Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red onion (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 teaspoons dried parsley
• 4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
• 2 dashes ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Chianti or good dry red wine
• 4 cups chicken broth
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by finely dicing red onion and thoroughly mincing garlic, ensuring all components are measured and ready for cooking.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate heat. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, then introduce ground beef and pork. Cook meat thoroughly, breaking into small crumbles and ensuring even browning.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic herbs including parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, and a whisper of nutmeg. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing herbs to release their fragrant essences.
4. Create a rich liquid base by whisking together tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, a touch of brown sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this vibrant mixture into the meat mixture, stirring to integrate completely.
5. Lower heat and allow sauce to simmer gently, with pot partially covered. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and promote flavor melding. After 30 minutes, introduce Chianti or red wine to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
6. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce and flavors to harmonize. Taste critically and adjust seasoning as needed – potentially adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the profile.
7. If sauce appears too thick, carefully thin with additional chicken broth until reaching desired consistency. Serve immediately over pasta or accompanied by rustic bread for a hearty, traditional Italian meal.

Notes

• This hearty Italian meat sauce blends ground beef and pork with a rich medley of herbs and spices for an authentic, deeply flavored experience.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more robust taste profile.
• Simmering develops complex flavors, so patience is key – allow the sauce to slowly meld together for maximum deliciousness.
• Chianti or red wine adds depth and complexity, transforming a good sauce into an extraordinary culinary creation.
• Adjust seasoning at the end to personalize the sauce, balancing salt, pepper, and sweetness to your taste preferences.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for future quick and delicious meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg