Ground Beef Pasta Sauce

Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor—this homemade pasta sauce recipe would make a Nonna proud. A beefy sauce that is slow-simmered for a rich, savory taste. Serve it over pasta or bake it into lasagna.

Flavor: This sauce has a savory flavor with hints of herbs and a fresh tomato taste.
Skill level: Making pasta sauce is a great beginner recipe, with simple steps but it has so much flavor that it’s perfect for anyone to make!
Technique: I include a spice mix that I add to the meat, which is similar to the one I use in my homemade Italian sausage. It’s easy and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Budget tip: Add leftover veggies in Step 3 for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
Prep ahead: Pasta sauce freezes beautifully so double or triple the recipe for future meals.

spices , salt , parsley , beef , tomato sauce , tomatoes , sugar , basil , seasoning , bay leaves , pepper , onion and garlic with labels to make Homemade Pasta Sauce

Ingredient Tips For Pasta Sauce

Meat: I use ground beef in this recipe and mix in my own seasonings. Half of the meat can be replaced with Italian sausage.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of this sauce, I recommend a high-quality brand, I love San Marzano style tomatoes.
Sugar: A pinch sugar will balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Or, instead of sugar, add half a grated carrot to the sauce.
Seasonings: Dried Italian seasonings are added to the sauce in addition to the meat seasoning above. If adding fresh herbs, they should be added at the end of cooking so their delicate flavor doesn’t get cooked out.

Variations: Add sauteed mushrooms and onions in Step 3 or some shredded zucchini, chopped spinach, or kale for an extra bump in nutrition.

adding seasonings to beef to make Homemade Pasta Sauce

adding ingredients to pot to make Homemade Pasta Sauce

The great thing about this ground beef pasta sauce is that it’s so versatile and having some on hand for last-minute meals is a weeknight timesaver.

Besides topping a pile of spaghetti, use pasta sauce for meatball subs, lasagna, mix it with rice for stuffed peppers, or create a casserole with veggies and cheese.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover homemade pasta sauce can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen on medium heat on the stovetop.

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This homemade pasta sauce is a rich, savory blend of ground meat, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, simmered to perfection for a hearty meal.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

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In a medium bowl, combine ground beef with sage, fennel seeds, thyme, pepper, and allspice until well mixed.
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef mixture, onion, and garlic, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned, drain excess fat if needed.
Add the canned tomatoes with the liquid, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, water, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped parsley and basil.
Remove bay leaves, taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Serve over hot pasta.

Meat seasoning: I add a seasoning similar to sausage seasoning into the meat. If preferred, half of the beef and be replaced with Italian sausage and you can skip the meat seasoning mixture.
Tomatoes: While any type of canned tomatoes works well in this recipe, I love San Marzano tomatoes for their bright flavor. If using whole tomatoes, break them up with your hands as you add them to the sauce.
Leftover pasta sauce can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze cooled portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or reheat from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course, Pasta, Sauce

Cuisine American, Italian

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