Italian Sauce Recipe

Savor the Flavors of Italy with this Irresistible Homemade Italian Sauce Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a hearty Italian sauce simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

With fresh vegetables, ground turkey or beef, juicy tomatoes, and a medley of rich seasonings, this homemade Italian sauce recipe is ready to grace the pasta of your choice.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this beautiful and aromatic sauce will surely impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through Italy.

Here’s what you’ll need for this go-to Italian sauce recipe:

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 14 oz can stewed tomatoes
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

To begin, heat a Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it down into small pieces. Season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s done. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the meat and set it aside. This step ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and helps to develop rich flavors in the sauce.

Next, add the olive oil to the Dutch oven or pot and introduce the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook these aromatic vegetables until they have softened, which usually takes around 5 minutes. The combination of onion, celery, and carrot, often referred to as mirepoix, forms the flavor base of many Italian sauces, adding depth and complexity.

Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. These seasonings contribute to the distinct Italian flavor profile of the sauce. Cook this fragrant mixture for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their flavors and aromas.

Now, return the cooked ground meat to the Dutch oven or pot, and incorporate the tomato paste. Stir it well, cooking for about a minute until the tomato paste starts to stick to the bottom. This step enhances the richness of the sauce by caramelizing the tomato paste slightly. If you aren’t feeling a red sauce pasta, you could try this pasta with broccoli.

To deglaze the pot and add another layer of flavor, pour in the red wine, using a spoon to scrape any bits that may have stuck to the bottom. The red wine infuses the sauce with a depth of flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

It’s time to introduce the star ingredient—the tomatoes. Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and the stewed tomatoes. The crushed tomatoes provide a smooth and velvety texture, while the stewed tomatoes add delightful chunks for a more rustic appeal. Stir everything together, and bring the sauce to a slight boil.

Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the Dutch oven or pot with a lid and let the sauce bubble away for 1 to 2 hours. The long, slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a robust and flavorful sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.

After the simmering time has elapsed, it’s crucial to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preference, you may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to balance the flavors.

Now that your Italian sauce has transformed into a tantalizing masterpiece, it’s time to serve it over your favorite pasta. Choose your preferred type of pasta, be it spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, and cook it according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta, and generously ladle the fragrant sauce over it.

Garnish your pasta with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and serve it alongside a sprinkling of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Complete the experience with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded Italian meal.

This homemade Italian sauce is not only perfect for pasta; it can also be used as a flavorful base for lasagna, baked ziti, or even as a topping for homemade pizza. The possibilities are endless, and your culinary creativity can truly shine.

With its fresh vegetables, seasoned ground turkey or beef, and a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, this homemade Italian sauce recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.

By taking the time to simmer and develop the flavors, you’ll be rewarded with a sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and sure to impress anyone who tastes it.

So put on some Italian music, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and let the magic of this sauce transport you to the heart of Italy, one delicious bite at a time.