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How to make homemade meat sauce
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5 from 4 votes

Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Homemade Meat Sauce that is fast and easy, healthier than store-bought, and so flavorful. It will become a fast family favorite!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Simmering Time2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 12
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 56 ounces crushed tomatoes 2 (28 oz cans)
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce one can, with juices

Instructions

  • Start by finely chopping the 1 large yellow onion and pressing the 3 cloves garlic.
    Diced onion and garlic on cutting board.
  • Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add onion and cook until translucent.
    sauteed onion and garlic in a pan.
  • Immediately add 2 pounds ground beef and mix well, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it is in small crumbles. Cook until the meat is brown and no longer pink. At this point, you can drain the excess fat if desired.
    seared minced meat in a pan.
  • Add 56 ounces crushed tomatoes and 28 ounces tomato sauce. Pour 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and season with 2 tablespoons dried basil, sSalt and pepper.
    Adding vinegar and tomato sauce to seared meat in a pan.
  • Cover and let simmer on low for about 2 to 3 hours. Don't forget to give the sauce a few stirs in the meantime. (or over medium to lose for 20 minutes )
    cooked meat sauce in a pan.
  • Serve the meat sauce with your favorite cooked pasta. This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 4-6 months.
    meat sauce served over spaghetti.

Notes

  • Tomatoes: Use both crushed and chopped tomatoes to add texture to the sauce. 
  • Garlic: We recommend using freshly chopped garlic for the best flavor, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if needed. Garlic powder does not make a good substitute since it adds bitterness to the sauce. 
  • Onion: Yellow onions are fantastic in this recipe, but Walla Walla or Vidalia onions make great substitutes. 
  • Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor to this sauce, but you can also use avocado oil or butter for keto. 
  • Don't overcook the garlic. It burns easily and will give the sauce a bitter taste. 
  • Storing: Store in a container in the fridge for up to five days. Freeze for up to 4-6 months.
  • Slow cooker instructions: Follow the instructions until the meat is cooked and the tomatoes and other seasonings are added. Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked pasta. 

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 5mg