ALEXIA’S EASY MEAT SAUCE
Sauce/Gravy
Intermediate

ALEXIA’S EASY MEAT SAUCE

Fast-start meat sauce with beef, crushed tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and Romano — simmered 4–5 hours.

"A rich, meaty sauce that tastes like it simmered all Sunday — in just a few simple steps." - Alexia

5 Hours
Total Time
6
Servings
Intermediate
Level

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb ground sirloin beef
  • 1-1/2 lb ground chuck beef
  • 3 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1-1/2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 15 fresh basil leaves
  • Red chili flakes (to taste)
  • Cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • Garlic salt (to taste)
  • Garlic powder (to taste)

Instructions

1

Start with the Oil and Garlic

Add olive oil to a large pot. Add in minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden.

2

Add Heat and Meat

Add red chili flakes to taste, then add the ground sirloin and chuck beef. Season with garlic salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper.

3

Tenderize the Beef

Pour in the water and chop up the ground beef very finely. Let it poach until tender.

4

Build the Flavor

Add breadcrumbs and Pecorino Romano cheese. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat until the beef is cooked through.

5

Add the Tomatoes

Add the crushed tomatoes. Season with garlic salt and cracked black pepper, then stir in the sugar.

6

Finish and Simmer

Add fresh basil, lower the heat, and simmer on low for 4–5 hours, stirring frequently until thick and rich.