How to Make Classic Tomato and Beef Pasta Sauce

Simple Summary

This hearty tomato and meat pasta sauce combines rich, savory flavors with tender ground beef for a classic Italian-inspired dish that's both comforting and satisfying.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
5. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring more frequently to prevent sticking.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Remove bay leaves before serving.
11. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Chef's Notes

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it slightly before serving.
• This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Add a tablespoon of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximately 1 cup): Calories: 250, Protein: 18g, Fat: 15g (5g saturated), Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 3g. This sauce is a good source of lycopene from tomatoes and provides essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over your favorite pasta shape such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Use as a base for lasagna or other baked pasta dishes.
• For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Accompany with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.