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The Prefect Budget Friendly Homemade Meat Sauce

This budget friendly meat sauce is think, hearty and super meaty!  It uses your favorite combination of ground meats for the most amazing flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil for cooking the onion and meat
  • 1 large white onion, finely diced
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage You can use sweet, mild or hot
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 16 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 6 oz can of tomato paste
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp dried basil use fresh basil if you have it
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Toss around with a wooden spoon and cook until onions are softened and browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Once onions are cooked, add the ground meat. Cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon.
  3. Once the meat is browned, drain any juices in the pot. Return to the heat, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add a little water to the cans and pour back into the mix.
  4. Add tomato paste and all of the seasonings. Stir to make sure everything is combined. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours to reduce the water and enhance the flavors. Stir occasionally, tasting along the way and adjusting the seasonings to your preference.

Notes

To freeze - allow it to cool completely, then pour it into large freezer bags and stack them in the freezer. Pull out a bag and put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before you have your dinner, then reheat on the stove.