Basic Meat Sauce
For anyone that says “I dont have time to cook for me and/or my family” here is something that is done and delicious in about 45 minutes. The pasta alone will take 15 to cook, and the rest is cooking while you shower, check your email, or even set the table. One night I took a chance and “winged it” and it came out fantastic. I started at around 5:35 and it was done by 6:15, start to finish. If you cannot wait 45 minutes to eat, you have bigger or far more important issues.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 ounces olive oil (1/4 cup)
- 1 large shallot, diced fine OR one small onion
- 3 cloves garlic, diced fine
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 2 ounces tomato paste
- 24 ounces (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
METHOD:
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch Oven
- Add shallots and garlic and sauté lightly for 5-7 minutes
- Add 2 ounces of tomato paste, stir and allow to cook 3 minutes
- Add ground beef, brown well (about 20 minutes)
- Deglaze with 1/4 cup red wine and allow to cook off 3 minutes
- Add beef stock, allow to cook 2 minutes
- Add tomato sauce, bring to a simmer and allow to cook at least 20 minutes
