Description
This slow-cooked meat sauce is thick, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even stuffed peppers. Cooking it low and slow allows the meat to absorb the tomato richness while developing deep, savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) ground beef or beef & pork mix
- 3 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 2 – Build the Sauce
Transfer meat to slow cooker.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, spices, sugar, and water/broth.
Stir well to combine.
Step 3 – Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Stir occasionally if possible.
Serving Ideas
- Over spaghetti or penne
- In lasagna
- On toasted bread
- Inside stuffed peppers
- With mashed potatoes
Nutrition (approx per serving)
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Calories: ~260 kcal
Why People Love It
Easy
Budget-friendly
Great for meal prep
Freezes well
Kid-friendly
Storage
- Fridge: 4 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months