Name: Homemade Meat Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green for color); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil

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If you’re looking for a deliciously comforting dish that’s also quick and easy to prepare, look no further than this homemade meat sauce! Tender ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic seasonings come together to make a flavorful sauce that’ll have your family running to the dinner table. Whether you need a delightful weeknight meal or a simple sauce for pasta, this recipe is your go-to! Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but it also fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Plus, you’ll have plenty of delicious leftovers for another night. Get ready to dive into this scrumptious homemade meat sauce recipe!

What is the Homemade Meat Sauce?

Homemade meat sauce is a quick, one-pan dish that features ground beef and veggies simmered together in a simple yet flavorful sauce. Perfectly served over pasta, rice, or even polenta, it offers a vibrant taste of Italian-inspired comfort food. With minimal prep and high heat for that perfect simmer, you’ll have a satisfying family meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Meat Sauce

Why not bring the family together with a heartwarming dish? Here are just a few reasons this homemade meat sauce recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:

Quick & Effortless: Whip this up in just 20 minutes flat! That’s right—quick and easy dinners are just a recipe away.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tender beef mingles perfectly with tomatoes, while garlic and seasonings do a happy dance in the pot. And if you don’t believe me, check out this flavorful [Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe].
Minimal Cleanup: Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! This one-pan wonder means less scrubbing and more enjoying.
Versatile for Any Night: Dress it up or down based on what your family likes. Toss in some extra veggies or swap the base for quinoa—this dish begs for customizations! Want ideas? Check out my tasty [Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe].
Ideal for Weeknight Wins: When you’re juggling busy schedules, a quick dinner can feel like a miracle. This meat sauce delivers, keeping both kids and adults satisfied.
A Family Favorite Showstopper: Once you’ve served this up, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple at the dinner table. Trust me, you’ll be making it time and again!
Speedy Savor & Simplicity: With flavors bursting, simple techniques, and the benefit of feeding the whole family, nothing beats it!

Meta Info:
Fast, colorful Homemade Meat Sauce with a rich tomato base—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy evenings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Homemade Meat Sauce Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! This format is simple—just a quick checklist that makes it easy to scale up or down. Here’s what you need:

Beef Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper to taste

Veggies Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green for color)

Sauce Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

Time to cook! Follow these simple steps to whip up your homemade meat sauce:

Prep the Ingredients: Before you start cooking, chop your onions, bell pepper, and garlic. This keeps everything quick and efficient!
Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Be sure to break it up with a spoon for even cooking.
Add in Veggies: Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the veggies are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5-6 minutes until everything is well combined.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle over your favorite pasta, rice, or polenta, and savor the flavors of this delightful homemade meat sauce!

Nutrition:
Serving Size: 1 serving
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us—we can’t wait to see your delicious homemade meat sauce!

How to Make Homemade Meat Sauce

Step-by-step breakdown:

Prep the Ingredients: Chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Sauté the Meat: Brown the beef and break it up in the skillet.
Add in Veggies: Stir in your fresh veggies and sauté until they’re tender.
Make the Sauce: Mix in tomatoes and herbs, letting it simmer for a rich, cohesive flavor.

How Long Will Homemade Meat Sauce Last?

Leftovers never tasted so good! Here’s how to store your homemade meat sauce:

How Long… in the Fridge?

Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat for the best texture.

Can You Freeze…?

Yes! You can freeze homemade meat sauce for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it quickly, and store in a freezer-safe container. Much like storing sauces in my [Potato Veggie Bowls Recipe], allowing the sauce to cool before freezing helps maintain its texture!

Signs… Gone Bad:

Slimy texture
Unpleasant smell
Discoloration
Mold present

Which Beef is Best for Homemade Meat Sauce?

Choosing the right beef is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Here’s what to consider:

Best Type of Beef:

Ground Beef: 80/20 (chuck) is a top pick for flavor and tenderness.
Avoid leaner types (like sirloin) to ensure richness.

How to Prep:

Brown the beef in the skillet; there’s no need to marinate.

Stabilizing the Flavor:

Season well with salt before cooking for depth, similar to enhancing flavors in a [Braising Broccoli Recipe].

Other Beef Options:

Ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian crumbles for a plant-based swap.

Final Thoughts: Elevating this recipe is easy with the right meat choice. No matter the day, homemade meat sauce is always a perfect fit!

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Conclusion

In just 20 minutes, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. This homemade meat sauce is perfect for a cozy night in or to impress family and friends. Don’t forget to share this easy recipe with loved ones so they can enjoy the tasty benefits, too! Dive in and get cooking—you won’t regret it!