Hearty Italian Meat Sauce
This Hearty Italian Meat Sauce is a savory blend of sautéed onions, rich mushrooms, and lean ground beef, simmered with aromatic Italian plum tomatoes and a splash of white wine. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, making it a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade sauce that you can easily customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.
4
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
chopped onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
sliced mushrooms
2 cups (fresh, thinly sliced)
lean ground beef
3/4 lb
dry white wine
1/2 cup
Italian plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (crushed)
water
1/2 cup
salt
3/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
4
Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5
Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to cook down until nearly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Stir in the crushed Italian plum tomatoes with their juices, the water, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
7
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, uncovered. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
8
Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
12.5
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Meat Sauce?
Hearty Italian Meat Sauce is a savory blend of sautéed onions, mushrooms, and lean ground beef simmered with aromatic Italian plum tomatoes and a splash of white wine.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories in one serving of this meat sauce.
What type of meat does this recipe use?
This recipe uses 3/4 lb of lean ground beef.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Yes, while the recipe calls for dry white wine, red wine can be used for a deeper flavor profile.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to brown and fully cook the ground beef.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using one 28-ounce can of crushed Italian plum tomatoes.
Is this sauce good for family dinners?
Yes, this sauce is described as a family favorite and is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I add other vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely, you can easily customize the sauce with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
What are the serving suggestions for this sauce?
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be fresh and thinly sliced, then cooked until their moisture evaporates.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
What can I use as a substitute for wine?
You can substitute white wine with beef broth, chicken broth, or simply use extra water.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes.
What type of oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is the Hearty Italian Meat Sauce gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are gluten-free, but ensure you pair it with gluten-free pasta.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meat and onions, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker to finish.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
How do I reheat this sauce?
Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it reaches your desired temperature.
What herbs are recommended for seasoning?
While salt and pepper are standard, you can add Italian staples like basil, oregano, or rosemary.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed until softened and translucent.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should include the juices from the canned Italian plum tomatoes.
What is the recommended size for the tomato can?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
Why is water added to the recipe?
Water is added to help the sauce simmer and prevent it from becoming too thick too quickly.
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, but they should be rehydrated in water before being added to the skillet.
What kind of pan should I use to cook the sauce?
A large nonstick skillet is ideal for preparing this meat sauce.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.