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How to make homemade meat sauce
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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!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Simmering Time 2 hours
Servings 12
Calories 191kcal
Author Rena

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 2 tbsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes with juices

Instructions

  • Start by finely chopping the onion and press the garlic.
  • Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add onion and cook until translucent.
  • Immediately add ground beef and mix well breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until itis in small crumbles. Cook until meat is brown and no longer pink. At this point, you can drain the excess fat if desired.
  • Add crushed tomatoes and tomato puree. Pour vinegar and season with dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  • 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 )
  • 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.

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 sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked pasta. 

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg