Spaghetti Meat Sauce

If you are a meat sauce family (my family is a serious meat sauce family), then a pot of this in the fridge, or a container of this in the freezer is just pure peace of mind.

Meat Sauce

Robert Browning wrote a famous and lovely poem in the 19th century called Pippa's Song.  It went like this:

The years at the spring,
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hill-side's dew pearl'd;
The Lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven –
All'sw right with the world!

My version is something like:

Holy crap, what time is it?;
I didn't get done half of what I wanted to do;
Why does it get dark so much earlier?;
People will want to eat soon;
I haven't really thought about dinner;
Which I realize is ironic considering what I do for a living;
But them's the facts;
Oh wait –
I have meat sauce in the fridge!

Meat Sauce

Another moment where there is a palpable chorus of people thinking "keep your day job!"

If you are a meat sauce family (my family is a serious meat sauce family), then a pot of this in the fridge, or a container of this in the freezer is just pure peace of mind.

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Storing and Freezing Meat Sauce

The sauce will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 6 months well sealed in the freezer.   Freeze it in pint or quart containers, or better yet in freezer proof zipper top bags which you should seal, removing as much excess air as possible.  Lay the bags flat and freeze them until solid, then you can store them flat, or standing up like books. Label it so you don't think it's chili when you take it out!

Meat Sauce

You are more than welcome to use ground turkey, and turkey sausage which I do often (and that's what is in my first book, The Mom 100 Cookbook).

What Kind of Pasta Goes with Meat Sauce:

Classic cooking wisdom says for a chunky sauce you want a chunky noodle.  I think use whatever noodle you like! But yes, bulky noodles like penne rigate, rigatoni, ziti, cavatappi, and any pasta that has been bronze cut are great, as they have a slightly rougher exterior.  Try and find a noodle with some texture or ridges on the outside which help them grab on to the meat sauce.

Meat Sauce

You can also use a thicker long pasta like linguine, bucatini, or fettucine.

Whatever shape noodle you feel like boiling up, toss it with some of this ragu-like sauce, sprinkle over some Parm, add a salad, and things are going to feel a-ok. More than a-ok.

What to Serve with Pasta with Meat Sauce:

  • Best Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
  • Light Green Crunchy Salad
  • Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Lemon Dressing
  • Best Garlic Bread Ever
  • Tomato, Avocado and Cucumber Salad
Meat Sauce

Other Meat Recipes:

  • One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
  • Instant Pot Ziti "Lasagna" with Bolognese Sauce
  • Cheesy Beef and Hash Brown Casserole
  • Cheesy Mashed Potato Topped Shepherd's Pie

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound fresh pork sausage squeezed from the casing
  • 1 ½ cups chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Big glug or two of red or white wine if you have a bottle open
  • 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes preferably in puree
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

  • In a large saucepot, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add both the ground beef and the sausage together and cook, stirring frequently, and breaking up the meat so that it's very crumbly and browned throughout, about 4 to 6 minutes.  Turn it into a strainer and let it the fat drain off.

  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pot over medium heat (don't clean it!  All those little bits of flavor from the meat will season the sauce). Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic, oregano and basil and cook, stirring for 2 more minutes, until you can smell the garlic and herbs. Add the wine, if using, and stir for one more minute, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom, until the wine pretty much evaporates.

  • Add the canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using, and stir to combine everything.  Bring to a simmer over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Add the browned meat, lower the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.  Taste, and season gently with the salt and pepper (the sausages provide a whole lot of seasoning).

Calories: 341 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 531 mg | Potassium: 740 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 397 IU | Vitamin C: 17 mg | Calcium: 81 mg | Iron: 4 mg

The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

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