Why You’ll Love this Hearty Meat Sauce
When you’re craving a rich, satisfying pasta topper that doesn’t require hours of simmering, this hearty meat sauce is your new best friend.
I love how it comes together in just 30 minutes but tastes like it’s been bubbling away all afternoon.
The combination of lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes creates that perfect meaty texture without being too heavy.
And can we talk about that flavor profile? The chili powder adds a subtle warmth while the green peppers and onions provide just enough veggie goodness.
Trust me, your family won’t even notice they’re eating vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Meat Sauce?
This hearty meat sauce features a perfect balance of savory ground beef, rich tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables that create a robust flavor profile without requiring dozens of ingredients.
I find that simple ingredients often create the most satisfying recipes, and this sauce proves that point beautifully. The combination delivers that homemade, slow-simmered taste even though it comes together in just half an hour.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (26½ ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Splenda sugar substitute
When shopping for ingredients, you might notice this recipe uses Splenda instead of traditional sugar. This is a great option if you’re watching your sugar intake, but feel free to substitute with regular sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
The sweetener helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded flavor profile. As for the ground beef, while the recipe calls for lean, you could also use ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking to make a lighter version without sacrificing that hearty texture we all crave in a good meat sauce.
How to Make this Hearty Meat Sauce
Making this hearty meat sauce couldn’t be simpler, which is exactly why I love it for busy weeknights. Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring you get those little browned bits that add so much flavor. No need to drain unless you’re using a higher-fat beef—the small amount of fat from lean ground beef actually enhances the sauce’s richness.
Once your beef is nicely browned, it’s time for the one-step wonder approach that makes this recipe so appealing. Simply add all the remaining ingredients to the pot: 1 (26½ ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 1 small chopped onion, ½ cup chopped green pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon Splenda sugar substitute.
Give everything a good stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together while the sauce thickens slightly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this half-hour? Worth the wait alone.
Hearty Meat Sauce Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe creates a delicious meat sauce, you’ll be glad to know it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary needs.
For protein options, try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Not a fan of Splenda? Honey, brown sugar, or a touch of maple syrup work beautifully.
I’ve been known to toss in mushrooms when my husband isn’t looking, or add red wine for depth on date nights.
Got dietary restrictions? Swap the onions for shallots, add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Hearty Meat Sauce
Although you’ve mastered this savory meat sauce, choosing the perfect companion dish can elevate your meal from simply delicious to absolutely memorable.
I always reach for pasta first—classic spaghetti, hearty pappardelle, or even cheese-stuffed ravioli make ideal foundations.
Beyond the pasta universe, try spooning this rich sauce over roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter option, or atop creamy polenta for something unexpected.
Garlic bread? Non-negotiable in my house for sauce-sopping duties.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted vegetables add more depth.
Can’t decide? My family votes pasta every time.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve mastered this hearty meat sauce recipe, you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen repertoire. I make a big batch almost weekly, storing portions in the freezer for those hectic weeknights when cooking from scratch seems impossible.
What I love most about this sauce is its versatility. The balance of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and subtle heat from the chili powder creates a foundation that works in countless dishes. Ever tried it on baked potatoes? Game changer.
Hearty Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. No need to drain if using lean beef.
- Once beef is browned, add all remaining ingredients to the pot: tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chili powder, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, and sugar substitute.
- Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded and sauce has slightly thickened.
