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A closeup picture of spaghetti sauce with ground beef
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5 from 2 votes

How to Make Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce

Why choose this meat sauce? It's not only lip-smacking delicious but also versatile and easy...And guess what? I've tirelessly refined this recipe numerous times to guarantee it's the most outstanding option out there
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword best meat sauce, best spaghetti sauce, meat sauce, spaghetti sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author April Boller Wright

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef chuck Use 80% fat
  • 1 cup yellow onions diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste I used Cento brand
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Hunts brand
  • 1/4 tsp beef base I used Better than Bouillon beef base
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder or more for taste
  • 3/4 tsp onion powder or more for taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red peppers or more for taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated white sugar Or up to 1 tbsp or more for taste (this helps to balance the flavor of the tomato sauce)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt This is an estimate. I usually add a bit more.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper or more for taste
  • 16 oz box of spaghetti cooked al dente and drained

Instructions

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and ground beef. Cook until it's no longer pink. Add minced garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the water, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Better than Bouillon Beef Base, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, bay leaf, butter, sugar, salt and pepper to the pot.
  • Mix well and cover with a tight fitted lid. Cook for about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if you like. Serve hot over spaghetti. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Ground beef: 

I used chuck ground beef 80%. 

Meat Sauce: 

I used Hunts tomato sauce 
 
Recipe was slightly updated 3/11/2022