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Homemade meat sauce for pasta

Homemade Meat Sauce

This homemade meat sauce is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Ground beef, onion, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar simmer together to create a comforting sauce that is perfect for serving over spaghetti.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 6
Author Carissa

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 28 oz peeled San Marzano tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbs balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

  2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.

  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

  4. Add the ground beef. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until the liquid released by the beef has evaporated and the beef begins releasing its own fat.

  5. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, rosemary, and basil. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds.

  6. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces.

  7. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and stir them into the sauce.

  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

  9. Stir in the balsamic vinegar.

  10. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.