This Paolozzi Meat Sauce is a warm and hearty dish that brings Italian flavors right to your table. It’s packed with tender meat, rich tomatoes, and a mix of herbs that makes every bite delicious.
This sauce is perfect for Sunday dinner with family. I love to serve it over pasta with a sprinkle of cheese. Just imagine the smiles when you bring it out! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but you can swap it with vegetable or canola oil if needed. This works well for higher heat cooking.
Ground Meat: A blend of beef and pork gives a richer taste. If you’re looking for lighter options, ground turkey or chicken can be used, just remember they’ll be less fatty.
Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor! You can replace it with more ground beef or turkey, or use spices like fennel seeds for a similar taste.
Red Wine: While it increases depth, you can omit it if preferred. Use additional beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Crushed Tomatoes: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes work just fine. You might need to blend them a bit for a smoother sauce.
How Do You Build Flavor with the Right Techniques?
Building flavor in your meat sauce starts with sautéing your vegetables. This step is crucial! When you cook onions, carrots, and celery together, they form a flavor base called “soffritto” that enhances the sauce immensely.
- Cook your vegetables in olive oil until soft and translucent.
- Don’t rush the browning of the meats; it adds richness. Allow them to brown well!
- Deglazing with red wine not only cleans the pan but also incorporates those tasty bits into your sauce, giving it more character.
- Simmering low and slow allows the flavors to meld. The longer you cook, the better it gets! Stir occasionally and adjust the consistency with broth as necessary.
With these techniques and ingredient choices, your Paolozzi Meat Sauce will be flavorful and delicious. Enjoy! 🍝
Paolozzi Meat Sauce Recipe: Traditional Italian Sunday Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 4 oz Italian sausage, casing removed (optional for extra richness)
- 1 large carrot, finely grated or chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meat sauce requires about 15 minutes of preparation and a slow cooking time of about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll want to give it some love while it simmers so that the flavors can develop beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté those delicious veggies until they are soft and translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your sauce!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Just be careful not to burn it!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. With a spoon, break up the meat and cook until it’s browned all the way through. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off, but a little fat can add flavor, so it’s your call!
4. Enhance with Tomato Paste:
Time to stir in the tomato paste! Give it a good two-minute cook to deepen the flavors.
5. Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 5 minutes—this adds a wonderful depth to your sauce.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to the pot. Make sure to give everything a good stir to mix it well.
7. Simmer and Develop Flavor:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then turn down the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it cook gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or broth. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste!
8. Final Touches:
Once finished cooking, remember to remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the rich and delicious meat sauce hot over your favorite pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting Italian Sunday dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While a mix of beef and pork is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, but it’s still delicious!
How Can I Make This Meat Sauce Ahead of Time?
This sauce actually tastes even better when made ahead! You can cook it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Meat Sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even further. If using fresh herbs, consider using three times the amount as dried—so about 3 tsp of fresh oregano, basil, and thyme. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor!
