Description
A savory and hearty slow-cooked sauce perfect for family gatherings, made with a blend of ground meats and rich tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and red wine if using.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg