If you're craving a hearty, flavorful meal that won't keep you in the kitchen for hours, look no further than this Quick Easy Italian Meat Sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines the rich, savory goodness of ground beef with aromatic herbs and a luscious tomato base, all ready in just 40 minutes. Whether you're serving it over your favorite pasta or using it as a base for a delicious lasagna, this sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet satisfying Italian classic!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of cooked pasta for serving.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the dried oregano and dried basil to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta when cooked al dente and set aside.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- To serve, place a portion of cooked pasta on each plate and ladle the meat sauce generously over the top. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your quick and easy Italian meat sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs if possible. Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the taste of your sauce significantly.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base for your sauce.
- Customize Your Meat: Feel free to mix and match your ground meat. A combination of ground beef and Italian sausage can add extra depth to the sauce.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, resulting in a more robust sauce.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. This will help prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the extra Parmesan cheese on top! It adds a delightful creaminess and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months. Just reheat and serve with fresh pasta for a quick meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
