Meat Sauce
✨ Why I Love It:
Spaghetti was one of the first meals I ever learned to cook as a kid — and over the years, my meat sauce has grown up with me. This recipe has been lovingly adapted through trial, error, and a whole lot of garlic bread taste tests. It’s everything I love about spaghetti night: bold, rich flavors, the perfect chunky-yet-saucy texture, and a cozy, familiar warmth that just feels like home.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, batch cooking for later, or just chasing that perfect “sauce-to-noodle” ratio — this meat sauce has you covered.
Category: Everyday Meals, Comfort Food, Dinners
Tags: Family Favorite, Freezer-Friendly, Weeknight Staple
📝 Ingredients:
2 lbs ground sausage
Olive oil
3 large carrots, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp dried basil
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
3 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 jar good-quality marinara sauce
½ cup red wine (Malbec, Cabernet, or Merlot — your call!)
2 cans sliced mushrooms (optional but recommended)
🍳 Directions:
Start the flavor base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced carrots and onions and sauté until they begin to soften — about 5–7 minutes.
Brown the meat
Add the ground sausage and garlic. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and broken apart.
Sauce it up
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, marinara, wine, mushrooms (if using), and all seasonings. Mix well to combine.
Let it simmer
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes — but longer is even better. Stir occasionally and taste as you go.
👩🍳 Katie’s Tips:
This makes a big batch — perfect for freezing! Let it cool, then portion into containers and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.
Use sweet Italian sausage for a cozy, classic flavor — or spicy if you’re feeling bold.
Don’t skip the wine if you can help it — it adds a rich depth that really rounds things out.
Pair it with thick spaghetti noodles, garlic bread, and a big salad for the ultimate comfort meal.
🧡 From My Kitchen to Yours:
This is one of those recipes that sticks with you. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying — and now it’s a regular in my own family’s dinner rotation. I hope it becomes one in yours too.
Meat Sauce
A thick, bold, and cozy sauce — perfect for spaghetti night!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground sausage
- Olive oil
- 3 large carrots, finely diced (1½ cups)
- 1 large onion, diced (1 cup)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 1 jar good marinara
- ½ cup red wine (Malbec, Cabernet, or Merlot)
- 2 cans sliced mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté diced carrots and onion until semi-soft.
- Add sausage and garlic. Cook until browned.
- Add remaining ingredients. Simmer at least 45 minutes.
- Serve over noodles. Perfect for dipping garlic bread!
Yields: 8–10 servings
Category: Everyday Meals, Comfort Food, Dinner