Description
A hearty and savory ground beef pasta sauce simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until combined.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well for future meals.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg