Irresistible Ground Beef Pasta Sauce

Irresistible Ground Beef Pasta Sauce

Ground beef sauce: master this savory, hearty pasta sauce for an amazing family meal. Easy to make, perfect for meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes
• 28 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Method

 

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned, drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the canned whole tomatoes with the liquid, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, water, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 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.
4. Remove bay leaves, taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Serve over hot pasta.

Notes

– Don’t skip draining the fat from the ground beef; it prevents a greasy sauce.
– For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of regular.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, carefully blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before adding fresh herbs.
– Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
– Ensure the internal temperature of the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C) during cooking to ensure food safety.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

• Don’t skip draining the fat from the ground beef; it prevents a greasy sauce.
• For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of regular.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, carefully blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before adding fresh herbs.
• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
• Ensure the internal temperature of the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C) during cooking to ensure food safety.

This ground beef pasta sauce is a reliable recipe that delivers robust flavor every time. Experiment with different pasta shapes or add a touch of cream for a richer finish. Enjoy making this family favorite!

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