Easy Meat Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Meat Sauce is a rich, savory, and hearty staple perfect for pasta night. Made with ground meat, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, this sauce comes together quickly and delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. It’s freezer-friendly, customizable, and ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a base for baked pasta dishes.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground turkeyolive oilonion (diced)garlic (minced)crushed tomatoes or tomato saucetomato pasteItalian seasoningsaltblack peppersugar (optional)red pepper flakes (optional)fresh basil or parsley (optional)grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired.

Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Adjust seasoning to taste and stir in chopped herbs or Parmesan if using.

Serve hot over pasta or use in baked dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use sausage, ground chicken, or a mix of meats.
Add diced carrots or bell peppers for more veggies.
Use red wine in place of some tomato for depth.
Make it spicy with more red pepper flakes or chili powder.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Do I have to use tomato paste?
It adds richness, but you can omit or substitute with more sauce.

Is this sauce thick or thin?
It’s thick and hearty but can be thinned with a splash of broth or water.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, peel and crush them first for best results.

What pasta works best with this sauce?
Spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or any hearty noodle pairs well.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, just serve it with gluten-free pasta.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it freezes well and is great for meal prep.

Can I use it in lasagna?
Yes, it’s perfect as a flavorful meat layer in baked pasta dishes.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Use a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Should I cover the sauce while simmering?
Leave it uncovered to let it reduce and intensify the flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Meat Sauce is a comforting, versatile essential that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Packed with flavor and ready in under an hour, it’s your go-to for delicious pasta dinners, layered bakes, or freezer-friendly meals any night of the week.

Print