Are you craving a rich, hearty, and flavorful pasta sauce that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes? This homemade meat sauce recipe is your go-to solution for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. By combining fresh ingredients with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, this recipe takes the concept of meat sauce to the next level. With just six core ingredients, you’ll create a sauce that is luxurious and full of flavor, all without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or a cozy meal for yourself, this easy meat sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get cooking and make an unforgettable dish in a fraction of the time!

Ingredients for Meat Sauce

To create this flavorful meat sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 8-ounce package baby Bella mushrooms, finely diced (optional but recommended for added depth of flavor)
• 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (add more for extra heat, if desired)
• 1 24-ounce jar of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Vegetables:

• 1 green or red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)

Garnishes (optional but highly recommended):

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Extra hot pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

How to Make the Best Meat Sauce in 20 Minutes

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

In a large skillet (12 inches works well), heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The garlic should also become fragrant but be careful not to burn it. This step creates the flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms and Other Vegetables

Next, if you’re using mushrooms (baby Bella mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor), add them to the skillet. Along with the mushrooms, feel free to incorporate any additional vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, depending on your preference. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and release their moisture. The mushrooms will shrink and lose most of their water, which adds more depth and flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Now it’s time to add the star protein of your sauce: ground beef. Stir in the meat and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. As it cooks, the beef will release some fat, which helps infuse the sauce with flavor. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes, and stir everything together. The seasoning will infuse the meat, giving it a delicious herbal kick and just the right amount of spice.

Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce

Once the ground beef is cooked through, it’s time to add your marinara sauce. Pour in the 24-ounce jar of sauce, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and intensify. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt or pepper to suit your tastes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade meat sauce is ready to serve! You can plate this sauce over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option. For added richness, top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a dollop of creamy ricotta, and a pinch of hot pepper flakes if you like some extra heat. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves to add a fresh, herby flavor.

This easy-to-make meat sauce is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and you can pair it with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also make it ahead of time and store the leftovers for a quick meal later in the week.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This meat sauce also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze half for a later meal. Just allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the mix. In addition to mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, you can try adding spinach, carrots, or eggplant. The possibilities are endless! You can also swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter, healthier option.

Meat Sauce Recipe

Preparation Time:

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 15 minutes

This delicious meat sauce recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Using a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, we elevate the taste with fresh ingredients and a few simple steps. The result? A hearty, satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Here’s a simplified version of the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 8-ounce package baby Bella mushrooms, diced (optional)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (more for extra heat)
• 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parmesan cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-4 minutes until softened.
2. If using, add mushrooms, bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, then simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash, and garnish with cheese, ricotta, and fresh basil.

Notes:

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Feel free to adjust vegetables or seasoning based on your preferences.