Italian Meat Sauce

Certainly! Here’s a rich, engaging article centered around a classic Italian Meat Sauce recipe. It’s written in a warm, inviting tone suitable for blogs, newsletters, or recipe websites.

Authentic Italian Meat Sauce: A Comforting Classic That Never Gets Old

Few things in life are as comforting and soul-satisfying as a bowl of pasta smothered in a rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce. Whether you call it “ragù” or simply “meat sauce,” this dish is a timeless staple in Italian kitchens—and for good reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for making in big batches to freeze or share.

This isn’t your average quick-and-easy marinara. This is a deep, slow-cooked sauce built layer by layer with ground meat, aromatics, tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of red wine. Let’s dive in.

🍝 Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1.5–2 hours
Serves: 6–8

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225g) ground pork or Italian sausage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional, but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan, to serve

🥄 Directions:

1. Start with the soffritto
   In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Brown the meat
   Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Deglaze with wine
   Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits. Let the wine simmer until mostly reduced—about 5 minutes.
4. Build the sauce
   Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and sugar. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Slow simmer for flavor
   Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour (up to 2 for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.
6. Taste and finish
   Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning as needed, and stir in some fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
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