The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make The Best Homemade Meat Sauce (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):
Bulk Italian sausage – we used a mild Italian sausage, but you could also try sweet or spicy.
Lean ground beef – we like to use a lean, organic ground beef.
Onion – use a sweet onion, such as Vidalia.
Garlic – it’s best to use fresh garlic for this recipe.
Granulated sugar – sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the sauce and also helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
Italian seasoning blend – you can make your own or buy it from the store. Click here to see our recipe for Italian Seasoning.
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley – you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley instead, but fresh is really best for this recipe.
Tomato paste – the tomato paste adds and intensity to the tomato flavor.
Crushed tomatoes – crushed tomatoes serve as the base for the sauce.
Fire roasted tomatoes – these tomatoes really kick up the flavor!
Chicken broth – chicken broth slightly thins the sauce to the right consistency while also adding flavor.
How to Make Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and beef into the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Next, add in the onion and cook, stirring often, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain off the excess fat.
Reduce heat to medium and add in the sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Add in the tomato paste and stir to well to combine. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with the liquid, and chicken broth. Stir well until combined.
