Flavorful Meat Sauce Recipe: Elevate Your Pasta Game! 🍝🍅

Introduction:

Indulge in the rich and savory goodness of a classic Meat Sauce that elevates your pasta dishes to a whole new level. This recipe combines ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic spices to create a robust sauce that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta or layering in lasagna.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

Cooking the Meat:

1. Browning the Meat:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Adding Ground Meat:
   • Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Building Flavors:

1. Vegetable Addition:
   • Incorporate the grated carrot and finely chopped celery into the meat mixture. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
2. Tomato Trio:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well. If using, add the red wine for extra depth of flavor.
3. Tomato Paste Boost:
   • Stir in the tomato paste to enhance the richness of the sauce.

Infusing Aromatics:

1. Herb Ensemble:
   • Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, thyme, and add the bay leaf to the sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Simmering Bliss:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.

Seasoning and Finishing:

1. Seasoning the Sauce:
   • Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
2. Finishing Touch:
   • Before serving, remove the bay leaf. The sauce should have a rich, thick consistency.

Serving:

1. Pasta Pairing:
   • Serve the meat sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
2. Garnishing:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
3. Cheese Elevation:
   • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
4. Enjoying the Flavor Symphony:
   • Dive into a plate of pasta generously coated with this Flavorful Meat Sauce, savoring the robust combination of meaty goodness and aromatic herbs.