This Italian Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining lean ground beef and ground pork with aromatic herbs and rich tomato flavors. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta, serving as a lasagna base, or simply enjoyed with crusty bread. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and a timeless favorite that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
• 1 lb ground pork: Not sausage, for a rich, tender texture.
• Olive oil: A good swirl for sautéing.
• 1 red onion, chopped: For savory sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 tsp minced garlic: Essential for aroma and flavor.
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce: Adds a smooth base.
• 1 12 oz can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (preferably Contadina): The heart of the sauce, giving it that rich, tangy tomato base.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Adds liquid and richness.
• 4 tsp dried parsley: Classic herb flavor.
• 4 tsp dried oregano: A staple herb in Italian cooking.
• 2 tsp dried basil: Complements the tomato base.
• 2 tsp dried marjoram: A sweet, floral herb with citrus notes.
• 2 dashes ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth of warmth.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1/2 cup Chianti or good dry red wine: Enhances the depth and richness of the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the other ingredients to keep things organized and streamline the cooking process.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped red onion for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
   • Add the ground beef and ground pork, cooking for 8-10 minutes until browned. Stir occasionally to break up the meat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture.
3. Season the Meat:
   • Stir in parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
4. Add the Tomato Base:
   • In a bowl, mix together tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the seasoned meat and stir thoroughly to combine.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • After 30 minutes, stir in the Chianti or red wine and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Final Adjustments:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the meat sauce hot over pasta, in lasagna, or alongside crusty bread.

Notes:

• Simmering Time: For extra depth of flavor, you can simmer the sauce for longer on low heat, allowing the flavors to deepen further.
• Freezing: Leftover sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or future meals!

Nutrition:

• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
• Protein: High from the ground beef and pork.
• Fat: Balanced fat content, with healthy olive oil and pork for richness.

This Italian Meat Sauce is a classic that you can rely on for a comforting, flavorful meal. Whether you’re topping your favorite pasta or layering it in lasagna, it’s a dish that will never disappoint!