Italian Meat Sauce

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Servings: 6 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
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A rich, slow-simmered ragù with deep beefy flavors and aromatic herbs
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This classic Italian meat sauce is the heart and soul of many home-cooked meals. Built on a foundation of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, the soffritto provides a sweet, aromatic base that balances the savory richness of lean ground beef. Mushrooms add an earthy depth and meaty texture, while a splash of red wine deglazes the pan, lifting flavorful browned bits. Simmered for an hour with beef broth and tomato puree, the sauce thickens into a luxurious, velvety coating for pasta. The blend of garlic, oregano, and fresh parsley creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for serving over spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti, this versatile sauce freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. It offers a hearty, protein-packed satisfaction that brings a touch of nonna’s kitchen to your dinner table.

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Italian Meat Sauce

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 servings Calories: 346

Description

This classic Italian meat sauce is the heart and soul of many home-cooked meals. Built on a foundation of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, the soffritto provides a sweet, aromatic base that balances the savory richness of lean ground beef. Mushrooms add an earthy depth and meaty texture, while a splash of red wine deglazes the pan, lifting flavorful browned bits. Simmered for an hour with beef broth and tomato puree, the sauce thickens into a luxurious, velvety coating for pasta. The blend of garlic, oregano, and fresh parsley creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for serving over spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti, this versatile sauce freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. It offers a hearty, protein-packed satisfaction that brings a touch of nonna's kitchen to your dinner table.

Directions

  1. Combine butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for 1 minute until they begin to soften.
  3. Add grated carrots, finely chopped celery, chopped mushrooms, and parsley; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and no pink remains.
  5. Sprinkle flour evenly over the ground beef and vegetables, stirring constantly until the flour is fully incorporated and cooked for about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the tomato puree, mixing well to coat the meat and vegetables.
  7. Gradually add the red wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and incorporate the liquid.
  8. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
  9. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic to taste.
  10. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors melded.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 346kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19.8g31%
Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
Cholesterol 73.7mg25%
Sodium 1960mg82%
Total Carbohydrate 13.9g5%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g19%
Sugars 2.3g
Protein 26.6g54%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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