Best 11 Italian Meat Sauce I Recipes

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The classic Italian meat sauce, also known as ragù alla bolognese, is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of pasta, from spaghetti to lasagna. While there are many different recipes for Italian meat sauce, some essential ingredients include ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots. The sauce is typically simmered for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become fall-apart tender. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for Italian meat sauce, providing step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Italian Meat Sauce image

The most delicious Italian Meat Sauce that's so incredible, it can be eaten right out of the pan. Use it on top of your favorite pasta, in lasagna, or spaghetti squash or zoodles. It's thick, rich, flavorful and it's made from scratch. You're gonna love this meat sauce.

Provided by Natalie Gregory

Categories     Sauce

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large sweet onion (diced)
2 pounds at least 85% lean ground beef or 1 pound each of ground beef and ground veal
4 - 6 cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can ground peeled tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil (or it can be torn)
2 teaspoons sugar

Steps:

  • In a large heavy bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. This should take 5 - 8 minutes. The longer you cook the onions, the sweeter they become.
  • Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
  • Add the beef and veal (if using) and cook until it's browned. I use lean meat which means there's little fat left in the pan. I don't bother draining it. If you find a lot of fat you can remove it using a turkey baster or skim it off the top later. Don't mistake water for fat. I've found lesser grades of meat release more liquid than say Angus. If that's the case, cook and stir a few minutes and it will evaporate.
  • Sprinkle in the granulated garlic, salt and pepper and stir.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it loses its bright red color.
  • Add the ground peeled tomatoes and the tomato puree, sugar and basil.
  • Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened about 1 hour. Taste and adjust for more salt and pepper.

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE I



Italian Meat Sauce I image

Hearty sauce with sausage, pork and meatballs. It takes a while, but it's well worth it.

Provided by SHELLIE1111

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 5h45m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, sliced
3 (15 ounce) cans seasoned tomato sauce
3 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
6 cups water
8 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 pounds sweet Italian sausage
2 pounds ground sirloin
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 cup grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pork meat, cubed
1 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons garlic powder
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs

Steps:

  • In large pot heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over low heat. Add chopped onion and two-thirds of sliced garlic. Saute 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water and tomato paste. Simmer.
  • Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Saute remaining garlic 1 to 2 minutes. Add sausage and brown, about three minutes on each side. After browning, cover and reduce heat. Cook for 10 minutes, remove from heat, and cut sausages into halves. Add to tomato mixture.
  • Cook pork over medium heat in sausage skillet until brown. Add to tomato mixture. Add 3 tablespoons parsley, Romano, oregano, salt and pepper to tomato sauce. Continue to simmer over low heat.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. In large bowl combine ground sirloin, bread crumbs, garlic powder, remaining parsley, parmesan and eggs. Form 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Cook until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Add meatballs to sauce. Continue to cook sauce for 5 hours. Serve over fusilli or ravioli.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 660.6 calories, Carbohydrate 46.4 g, Cholesterol 133.7 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 8.1 g, Protein 41.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.4 g, Sodium 2541.6 mg, Sugar 26.2 g

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Italian Meat Sauce image

This robust home-style pasta sauce from Candi Johnsen of West Plains, Missouri tastes just as good after it's been frozen.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage links, cut into 3/4-inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup water
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, optional
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 bay leaf
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste, water, mushrooms, olives if desired and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes or until sauce reaches desired thickness. , Discard bay leaf. Serve over spaghetti; or cool, cover and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 234 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 851mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

CLASSIC ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Classic Italian Meat Sauce image

If you are a meat sauce family (my family is a serious meat sauce family), then a pot of this in the fridge, or a container of this in the freezer is just pure peace of mind.

Provided by Katie Workman

Categories     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 pound ground beef
1 pound fresh pork sausage (squeezed from the casing)
1 ½ cups chopped onion
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Big glug or two of red or white wine (if you have a bottle open )
2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (preferably in puree)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large saucepot, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add both the ground beef and the sausage together and cook, stirring frequently, and breaking up the meat so that it's very crumbly and browned throughout, about 4 to 6 minutes. Turn it into a strainer and let it the fat drain off.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pot over medium heat (don't clean it! All those little bits of flavor from the meat will season the sauce). Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and basil and cook, stirring for 2 more minutes, until you can smell the garlic and herbs. Add the wine, if using, and stir for one more minute, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom, until the wine pretty much evaporates.
  • Add the canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using, and stir to combine everything. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Add the browned meat, lower the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Taste, and season gently with the salt and pepper (the sausages provide a whole lot of seasoning).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 18 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 531 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

OLD ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Old Italian Meat Sauce image

A robust hearty Italian meat and mushroom pasta sauce. Serve with your favorite pasta, if desired.

Provided by Debbie

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Meat Sauce

Time 4h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 cups red wine
2 pounds fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
3 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside.
  • In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix well.
  • Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender.
  • Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wine.
  • Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 50.8 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 788.1 mg, Sugar 11.4 g

DONATELLI'S - MEAT SAUCE RECIPE



Donatelli's - Meat Sauce Recipe image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup diced onions
One 29-ounce can tomato puree
Two 12-ounce cans tomato paste
One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon beef base
1 tablespoon chicken base
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon chopped parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef with minced garlic and salt and pepper, to taste. Drain ground beef and set aside.
  • Place oil and onions in a saucepan and saute on high heat until soft. Add all cans of tomato products. Fill the tomato puree can with hot water and dissolve beef and chicken base in this water. Add this water and base mixture to saucepan. Add all other ingredients and heat through. Once hot, add the browned ground beef and simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve over your favorite pasta -- enjoy!!!!

PASTA AND EASY ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Pasta and Easy Italian Meat Sauce image

Here is an easy dinner recipe. This Pasta and Italian Meat Sauce doesn't need to cook for a long time to be delicious. The spaghetti sauce is based on the famed Ragu alla Bolognese (sauce in the style of Bologna). The addition of milk might seem unusual, but it's traditional in northern Italy-where butter and cream, as well as milk, are essential to the cuisine.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 pound ground beef
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes
1/2 cup milk
1 dried bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound fettuccine
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium. Stir in carrot, onion, and garlic. Add ground beef, and cook until it turns from pink to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and their liquid, crushing them with the back of a large spoon. Stir in milk, bay leaf, thyme, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Simmer 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions, about 12 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water; drain fettuccine, and return to the warm pot. Add meat sauce, and toss. Add pasta water as needed if the sauce seems dry. To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan.

SIMPLE ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Simple Italian Meat Sauce image

I got this recipe from my hubbs cute little Sicilian grandmother. Her meat sauce is a favorite in my hubby's family, they looove this meat sauce its served at all family gatherings. It is so simple to make, and freezes really well. You may also make this recipe in the slow cooker.

Provided by IHeartBobert

Categories     Vegetable

Time 3h10m

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 large whole garlic cloves
1 -3 tablespoon sugar (depending on the acidity of the tomato juice)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sweet basil
3 bay leaves (take out after cooked)
1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

Steps:

  • In large pan heat 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, add garlic and sauté, tilt the olive oil in pan to cover the garlic, sauté until opaque.
  • Immediately add tomato juice, sugar, salt, pepper, sweet basil, and bay leaves. Simmer for about 45 minutes.
  • Smash the garlic cloves with a fork, add the tomato paste in sauce and a can of water.
  • In large skillet cook ground beef, drain well (pat with paper towel).
  • Add beef in sauce, and Simmer at least 2 hours until sauce turns dark red.
  • Serve with 1 lb. pasta and fresh grated Asiago cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 174.1, Fat 10.3, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 38.6, Sodium 644.7, Carbohydrate 9.1, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 6.8, Protein 12.1

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Italian Meat Sauce with Meatballs image

This chunky, meaty sauce has a bit of heat from the sausage and red pepper. It's delicious served over pasta.-Jane McMillan, Dania Beach

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
12 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each), thawed and halved
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Hot cooked pasta

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion and pepper over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Add the meatballs, tomato sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese blend, garlic and seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until hot and bubbly., Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cook 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve with pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 21g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 1287mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Italian Meat Sauce image

Because it has ground meat, it is called Bolognese sauce. You can use any combination of ground meat and can serve it over any type of pasta or rice. It is great with lasagna. This will take close to three hours total, so prepare yourself! Makes enough for one large lasagne or 16 servings.

Provided by JaLee

Categories     European

Time 3h15m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 onions
3 carrots
3 stalks celery & leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup wine
5 teaspoons salt
1/2-1 teaspoon black pepper
2 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes (chopped or Kitchen Ready)
6 ounces tomato paste
6 ounces water
1 slice salt pork (optional)

Steps:

  • Place the onions, carrots, celery, and salt pork (if using) in a food processor and process to a fine paste. In a heated skillet with olive oil, brown this combination.
  • Add the ground meat to the skillet and brown.
  • Once the meat is browned, add the wine and cook to evaporate it.
  • Add the salt, black pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to simmer for 2 hours covered. Stir from the bottom every 20 minutes. Be careful that the heat is not too high - it will burn.
  • Uncover and simmer 1 more hour.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.9, Fat 16.4, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 53, Sodium 1155.7, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 7.5, Protein 15.8

OLD ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE



Old Italian Meat Sauce image

A robust hearty Italian meat and mushroom pasta sauce. Serve with your favorite pasta, if desired.

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Categories     Meat Pasta Sauce

Time 4h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 cups red wine
2 pounds fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
3 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside.n
  • In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix well.n
  • Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender.n
  • Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wine.n
  • Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.n

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 50.8 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 788.1 mg, Sugar 11.4 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of meats. This will give your sauce a more complex flavor. Ground beef, sausage, and pork are all good options.
  • Brown the meat well. This will help to develop its flavor.
  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Canned tomatoes can also be used, but fresh tomatoes will give your sauce a brighter flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano are all classic Italian seasonings.
  • Serve the sauce over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Conclusion:

Italian meat sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make a delicious Italian meat sauce at home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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