Why you should make meat sauce
This Meat Sauce provides a deep and savoury flavour without needing hours of simmering on the stove. The combination of beef stock and tomato paste creates a thick texture that coats pasta perfectly. It is a reliable meal that keeps well for lunch the next day. Cooking the onions and garlic slowly ensures a sweet foundation for the sauce.
Follow these simple steps for meat sauce
Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about five minutes until it is soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for one more minute without letting it burn.
Brown the meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the minced beef to the pan. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and stir frequently until it is browned all over. Drain off any excess fat if necessary before moving to the next step.
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano and the salt and pepper to season the meat sauce. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is fully integrated into the liquid.
Simmer and serve: Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer gently for twenty minutes. The sauce should thicken and the flavours will develop during this time. Taste the meat sauce once more for seasoning and serve it hot over your choice of pasta.
Tips and tricks for meat sauce
Using a higher fat content in the minced beef can add more flavour but you should drain the pan after browning. If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, you can add a splash of water or extra stock to loosen it. Adding a small pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tinned tomatoes. You can also add finely grated carrots or celery at the start to increase the vegetable content of your meat sauce.
Always let the sauce simmer for at least twenty minutes to ensure the meat is tender and the liquid has reduced. For a richer taste, you can swap a little of the beef stock for a small amount of red wine if preferred. Stirring occasionally prevents the bottom from catching on the pan while the liquid evaporates.
Find more ideas here:
baked chicken legs,
turkey with smashed potatoes or
caesar salad.
