Rustic Italian Meat Sauce
This rich and hearty Rustic Italian Meat Sauce combines ground beef and Italian sausage in a savory tomato base with a hint of red wine. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, and accented with sautéed vegetables, this sauce is perfect for serving over your favorite pasta or as a delicious filling for lasagna. With years of perfecting, this recipe has become a family favorite, cherished for its deep, earthy flavor and comforting warmth. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this sauce is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
link Italian sausage
1 lb (cut into pieces or crumbled)
tomato sauce
24 oz (canned)
tomato paste
16 oz (canned)
diced tomatoes
14 oz (drained, canned)
onions
1.5 cups (diced)
bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
mushrooms
1 cup (sliced, fresh)
red wine
1 cup (Burgundy)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
olive oil
2 tbsp (for sautéing)
sugar
1 to 2 tbsp (to taste)
basil
3 tsp (dried)
black pepper
1 tsp (ground)
marjoram
2 tsp (dried)
thyme
2 tsp (dried)
salt
1 tsp (to taste)
paprika
1 tsp (ground)
mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp (grated)
parmesan cheese
2 tbsp (grated)
cornstarch
1 tsp (mixed with water)
water
1 tbsp (mixed with cornstarch)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2
Slice link sausage into bite-sized pieces or remove from casings and crumble if using for lasagna. Brown in the same skillet, drain excess fat, and combine with the ground beef.
3
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onions, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4
Stir in the browned meats, tomato sauce, tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, mushrooms (omit if making lasagna), red wine, sugar, basil, black pepper, marjoram, thyme, and paprika.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for at least one hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add to the sauce along with grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir well until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta, or use as a meat filling for lasagna.
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
21g
Carbs
35g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Meat Sauce?
It is a rich and hearty sauce that combines ground beef and Italian sausage in a savory tomato base with red wine and aromatic herbs.
What meats are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of link Italian sausage.
Can I use this sauce for lasagna?
Yes, this sauce is excellent as a meat filling for lasagna, though it is recommended to omit the mushrooms if doing so.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered for at least one hour to allow the flavors to deepen.
What type of red wine should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 cup of Burgundy red wine.
How do I thicken the meat sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water, along with the addition of grated cheeses.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce contains diced onions, diced bell peppers, sliced fresh mushrooms, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 500 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this sauce?
Each serving contains 35g of protein.
What cheeses are added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons each of grated mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
You can either slice the link sausage into bite-sized pieces or remove it from the casings and crumble it before browning.
What herbs provide the flavor profile?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, marjoram, thyme, and ground paprika.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 29g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sauce?
There are 21g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this sauce contain fiber?
Yes, there are 4g of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 22 distinct ingredients.
What type of tomato products are used?
The recipe uses a combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and drained diced tomatoes.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The 3 garlic cloves should be minced before being sautéed in olive oil.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain the excess fat.
Do I need to cook the sauce covered?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the sauce uncovered so it can reduce and thicken.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What are the preparation instructions for the onions?
The onions should be diced and sautéed until they become translucent and fragrant.
Can I serve this over any pasta?
Yes, it is ideal for spaghetti or any pasta of your choice.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch slurry?
The slurry is used at the end of the cooking process to help the sauce reach its final thick consistency.
Is the beef seasoned during browning?
Yes, the ground beef should be seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking.
What should I do if the sauce sticks to the pot?
You should stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering to prevent it from sticking.
What is the texture of the sauce?
It is a thick, rustic, and chunky sauce filled with meat and vegetables.
Are the diced tomatoes drained?
Yes, the 14 oz of canned diced tomatoes should be drained before being added to the pot.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the final step is to taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary.