Savory Turkey or Lean Beef Chunky Tomato Sauce
This Savory Turkey or Lean Beef Chunky Tomato Sauce is bursting with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients. It's a hearty combination of ground turkey or lean beef, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables including onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery that enrich the sauce while keeping the fat content in check. Each bite offers a delightful taste, enhanced by a mixture of dried herbs, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect for cozy dinners, this sauce makes a generous batch, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for future meals or freeze portions for busy days ahead. Whether served over your favorite pasta, layered in a baked ziti, or used as a pizza topping, this sauce is an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey or lean beef
1 lb (raw)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
carrot
1 (diced)
celery
1 (diced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dry)
dried oregano
1-2 tablespoons (dry)
dried parsley
1-2 tablespoons (dry)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (dry)
crushed tomatoes
5 lbs (canned)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (optional) (dry)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
to taste (optional) (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or lean beef and brown it lightly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, carrot, and celery to the pot. Stir often, cooking until the vegetables are softened and the meat is fully cooked.
3
Next, incorporate the dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes into the pot. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add the brown sugar at this stage.
4
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to very low, covering the pot to gently simmer the sauce. Allow it to simmer for at least 1 hour; for maximum flavor, let it simmer for up to 2 hours. If using a crock pot, transfer the mixture to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5
As the sauce simmers, occasionally stir to prevent sticking and burning. Taste after the first half-hour and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional sugar as desired.
6
Once the sauce is done, serve it hot over your choice of pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, or use it in baked ziti, lasagna, or as a hearty pizza topping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this sauce recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Turkey or Lean Beef Chunky Tomato Sauce.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either one pound of ground turkey or one pound of lean beef.
Which vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes diced onion, red bell pepper, carrot, and celery.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves plus 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 5 lbs of canned crushed tomatoes for the base of the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer on the stovetop?
It should simmer for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, you can let it go for up to 2 hours.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a crock pot and cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, this sauce makes a generous batch that is perfect for freezing in portions for future meals.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
Does the recipe include a sweetener?
An optional tablespoon of brown sugar can be added if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Is the sauce spicy?
It has a subtle kick from the addition of a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Begin by browning the ground turkey or lean beef in a large heavy-bottomed pot.
When should I add the vegetables?
Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery once the meat has been browned.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning while it simmers?
You should occasionally stir the sauce to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning.
What are some ways to serve this chunky tomato sauce?
It can be served over pasta, used in baked ziti or lasagna, or as a hearty pizza topping.
When should I adjust the salt and pepper?
It is best to taste the sauce after the first half-hour of simmering and then adjust the seasonings.
Is the texture of this sauce smooth or chunky?
This is a chunky sauce featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and ground meat.
What type of cheese is recommended for serving?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended as an optional topping.
How much dried oregano is needed?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
How much dried parsley is needed?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried parsley.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering on the stove?
Yes, you should cover the pot after reducing the heat to a very low simmer.
What amount of meat is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of meat.
Can I use this sauce for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it makes a large batch and tastes great as leftovers.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dry dried basil.
What is the purpose of adding carrots and celery?
Carrots and celery enrich the sauce's flavor and nutrition while keeping the fat content low.
Is the red bell pepper diced or sliced?
The red bell pepper should be diced before being added to the pot.
At what heat should I brown the meat?
The meat should be browned over medium-high heat.
What is the consistency of the tomatoes used?
The recipe uses crushed tomatoes for a thick, hearty base.
Is this a good recipe for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is suitable for a wide variety of tastes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 16 ingredients listed in this recipe.