This meat sauce for pasta is made with ground beef, onions and garlic that have been simmered in Italian seasoned tomato sauce for the perfect compliment to any pasta.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

Everyone needs a really great go to meat sauce for pasta in their collection and for me, this one is it! It uses simple ingredients, is easy to make and my family absolutely loves it. This recipe is especially great for me because it doesn't require all day to simmer on the stove. I can have this sauce done in 30 minutes with just as much flavor packed into it as it would if it took all day to make.
Whenever I make this for parties or casual dinners at home, the compliments just keep on coming. Everyone just loves the flavors of this super easy to make sauce.This recipe has been passed around to so many of my friends and its their go to meat sauce for their families now, too.
Meat Sauce For Pasta Variations
- Pasta- This sauce goes well with any kind of pasta that you'd like. So choose your favorite.
- Wine- Red or White wine would both be ok to use here. You can also omit the wine completely or replace it with some chicken or vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this meat sauce. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red Wine
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Salt and Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Fresh Basil
How To Make It
Heres how to make this delicious sauce. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the onions. Saute the onions for about three minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Sautee for one more minute, stirring frequently. Add the ground beef and season it with salt, pepper, Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning. Continue to saute the beef, breaking it down into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned and cooked all the way through. Drain the fat if necessary.

Next, turn the heat up to medium high and add the wine. Allow the alcohol to cook out of the wine for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season the with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning garlic powder. Stir in the shredded basil and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
NOTE: You can let the sauce simmer for longer if you'd like. It will deepen the flavor.

Do I Have To Add The Wine?
No, you don't have to use the wine. Omit the wine completely or replace it with some chicken or vegetable broth.
What Should I Serve This With?
Serve this sauce with the past of your choice. We also like to serve it with a side of Homemade Garlic Bread.
Storage
Let the meat sauce cool completely and place it into a food safe air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.

Meat Sauce For Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil
- ¼ Cup Red Wine
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- 5 Cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 2 Tbs Garlic Powder, Divided
- 3 Tbs Italian Seasoning, Divided
- 56 Oz (2 cans) Crushed Tomatoes
- 3-4 Tbs Fresh Basil, shredded
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the chopped onions. Saute the onions for about three minutes or until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped garlic and 1 Tbs of the Italian Seasoning. Saute for one more minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the ground beef and season it with salt, pepper, 1 Tbs of Garlic Powder and 1 Tbs of Italian Seasoning. Continue to saute the beef, breaking it down into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned and cooked all the way through. Drain the fat if necessary.
- Turn the heat up to medium high and add the wine. Allow the alcohol to cook out of the wine for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season them with Salt, Pepper, 1 Tbs of Italian Seasoning and 1 Tbs of Garlic Powder.
- Stir in the shredded basil and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Video
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
If you like super easy pasta recipes like this one, you have to try this Marry Me Pasta, The Best Vodka Sauce and Easy Alfredo Sauce.





Al Dente Diva says
Hi it’s 2 (28oz) cans that total 56
nadine c salogub says
How many 56 oz cans of crushes tomatoes - one OR two ?
Al Dente Diva says
You can just omit it or use a little chicken or veggie broth
Enid Pech says
What can I use instead of the wine
Tracey Kramer says
What type of white wine do you recommend? Thank You
Al Dente Diva says
oops sorry about 1/4 cup
Al Dente Diva says
enough for one pound of pasta
Phyllis says
How much white wine did you add to the meat sauce? Thanks in advance.
Debra says
How much does this meat sauce make?