Hearty Crock Pot Meat Sauce
This Hearty Crock Pot Meat Sauce is a delicious, rich, and flavorful sauce that's perfect for spaghetti nights or any pasta dish. The blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a deep savory flavor, while the addition of fresh veggies like green pepper and aromatic garlic elevate it to a family favorite. I typically make a large batch each month and freeze it in individual portions for quick and convenient meals. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just need a comforting dish, this sauce will satisfy your cravings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
ground Italian sausage
1 lb (browned and drained)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
8 (minced)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
3 (14 1/2 ounce cans) (canned)
tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce cans) (canned)
tomato paste
2 (6 ounce cans) (canned)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (dried)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
dried marjoram
2 teaspoons (dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
2
Add the chopped onion, green pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to your crock pot.
4
Pour in the Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5
Add the sugar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and dried marjoram. Mix well.
6
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally if possible.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Crock Pot Meat Sauce?
It is a rich and savory pasta sauce made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of ground Italian sausage.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet and drain the excess grease before transferring it to the crock pot.
How long does the sauce need to cook?
The sauce should be cooked on the LOW setting for up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I freeze Hearty Crock Pot Meat Sauce?
Yes, this sauce is excellent for freezer meals and can be frozen in individual portions for later use.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The recipe includes one chopped green pepper, one chopped onion, and eight minced garlic cloves.
How many garlic cloves are required?
This recipe calls for 8 minced garlic cloves for a deep, aromatic flavor.
What kind of canned tomatoes are used?
You will need three 14.5-ounce cans of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Does the recipe use tomato sauce?
Yes, it requires two 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce.
Why is sugar added to the meat sauce?
1/3 cup of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
What seasonings are used in this sauce?
The seasonings include Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper.
Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, the onion, green pepper, and garlic should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until tender before being added to the crock pot.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat option.
What size should the vegetables be chopped?
The onion and green pepper should be chopped, and the garlic should be minced.
What is the benefit of slow cooking the sauce?
Slow cooking on low heat allows the different ingredients to develop a deep, complex, and savory flavor.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning.
Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
Yes, while the recipe lists specific dried herbs like basil and marjoram, you can adjust the herbs to your personal preference.
How many ingredients are in the Hearty Crock Pot Meat Sauce?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great option for meal prep because it makes a large batch that stores well.
What should I serve with this meat sauce?
It is perfect for spaghetti or any other type of pasta dish.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it is in the crock pot?
It is recommended to stir the sauce occasionally if possible while it is cooking.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, both of which can be adjusted to taste.
What is the preparation for the meat before browning?
No specific pre-prep is needed; just place the meat in a skillet over medium heat to brown.
Can I make this sauce on a stovetop instead?
While this is a crock pot recipe, you could simmer it on the stove over low heat, though the timing would differ.
What is marjoram?
Marjoram is a Mediterranean herb that adds a slightly citrusy and floral flavor to the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the large volume of ingredients makes it suitable for a large family or for freezing multiple portions.
Does this sauce have a thick consistency?
Yes, the use of two cans of tomato paste and two pounds of meat ensures a thick and hearty texture.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich flavor and satisfying ingredients.
How should I store leftover sauce in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.