meat sauce

! Here’s a classic meat sauce recipe that’s perfect for pasta:

Classic Meat Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), and beef broth. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld. You can simmer it for up to 2 hours if you have the time.
6. Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious meat sauce!