Homemade Marinara And Meat Sauce

Up Your Pasta Game with Homemade Marinara and Meat Sauce

Get ready to transform your pasta nights with this homemade marinara and meat sauce recipe. Say goodbye to store-bought jars and hello to a rich and flavorful sauce you’ll want to make again and again. The secret to this unforgettable marinara is in the slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic tomato puree with aromatic garlic, oregano, and fresh basil, creating a rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with juicy ground beef. A hint of sweetness rounds out the sauce, making it a family favorite that’s hard to resist. Once you’ve tasted homemade, you’ll never want to go back to the jarred version!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and chopping board

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 6 oz. water
• 1 24 oz. jar tomato puree
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in tomato paste, tomato puree, granulated sugar, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Fill the empty tomato paste can with water and add it to the pot.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the sauce has thickened and flavors have developed, serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Tips for Success

• Cook the sauce low and slow for the best flavor—patience is key!
• Fresh basil really enhances the sauce, so try not to substitute with dried if possible.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste as the sauce simmers.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approximately 250 calories, 15g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 20g protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze this sauce? Yes, this sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.

How can I make it spicier? Add more garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.

What pasta goes best with this sauce? Spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are great choices!

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious homemade marinara and meat sauce that will elevate your pasta dishes. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below!