Savory Old World Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Old World Italian Meat Sauce: A Hearty, Flavorful Classic

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 15

This rich and savory Old World Italian Meat Sauce is a timeless recipe that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this sauce boasts a deep, robust flavor that becomes even more delightful when made ahead of time. Make sure to use a large pot to accommodate the generous quantity of ingredients. It’s perfect for freezing in containers for future use, making your meal planning a breeze. 🍝🍷

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups dry red wine, divided
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• ¼ – ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Meats:
   Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground pork, along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the meat, stirring frequently, until it is browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   In a separate large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant. Pour in about ½ cup of the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and mix the flavors.

3. Cook Mushrooms and Herbs:
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the dried rosemary and oregano. Pour in an additional ½ cup of red wine, continuing to cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the browned meat to the skillet with the mushrooms and onions. Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 1 hour.

5. Simmer and Season:
   After the initial hour of simmering, add the remaining 1 cup of red wine to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

6. Finish with Parmesan:
   In the final stages of cooking, season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce for added richness.

Tips for the Perfect Meat Sauce

• Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for preparing in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer in airtight containers.
• Freeze for Later: If you have leftovers or want to prepare this in bulk, divide the sauce into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty meat sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or even as a flavorful topping for pizzas.

Enjoy the comforting, homemade taste of Old World Italian Meat Sauce with your next meal. Buon appetito! 🍽️🍷