Classic Homemade Meat Sauce

This homemade meat sauce gets its rich, hearty flavor from the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. Simmer and serve immediately, freeze for later, or layer up in lasagna for the ultimate comfort meal.

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This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated.

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Why you will love this
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Storing and reheating
Recipe FAQs
Try these recipes next
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Why you will love this

Comfort food - There is something so cozy about a pot of meat sauce simmering on the stove. The aroma warms my soul.
I skipped the jarred sauce. This rich sauce is full of flavor and comes together with pantry staples. Once you try homemade sauce, you'll be hooked.
Perfect for meal prep - Simmer the sauce on a lazy Sunday afternoon and use it for quick, fuss-free dinners during the week. Toss with pasta, add a house salad and ciabatta garlic bread, and you have a hearty dinner ready to serve.
Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch, enjoy half now, and freeze the rest. I use this sauce in my freezer lasagna with cottage cheese.

Ingredients

Two types of meat - I love the rich, flavorful combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. For a touch of spice, use hot Italian sausage. For a leaner option, ground turkey and/or turkey sausage can be substituted.
Two kinds of tomatoes - Canned crushed tomatoes are the base of the sauce. Use good quality tomatoes such as San Marzano. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor.
Two kinds of herbs - Dried herbs stand up well in the simmering sauce. Parsley and basil are my favorites. Oregano is also a great addition. For spice lovers, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. A meat chopper works great for this. Spoon off the excess fat.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes (or up to 1 ½ hours).

meat sauce before and after simmering. — Meat sauce before and after simmering

Storing and reheating

To refrigerate, store the sauce in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

To freeze, cool the sauce and transfer it to a freezer-safe zipper top bag. Lay flat in the freezer until solid. Then store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

Recipe FAQs

Is Bolognese the same as meat sauce?

Bolognese differs from traditional American meat sauce. Bolognese is thicker and creamier - often includes milk or cream, and usually has just a touch of tomato.

Do you put sugar in meat sauce?

Sugar is often added to tomato-based sauces to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. I don't find it necessary to add sugar to this meat sauce. The rich meat balances out the flavors nicely. If you prefer to add sugar to taste, do so, adding a little bit at a time until you reach the desired result.

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