Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground beef (80/20) - 2 pounds (908 grams)
- Ground pork - 1 pound (454 grams)
- Onion - 1 large (8 ounces / 227 grams), chopped
- Carrot - 1 large (8 ounces / 227 grams), chopped
- Celery - 1 large (8 ounces / 227 grams), chopped
- Garlic - 4 cloves (6 grams), minced
- Tomato paste - 3 tablespoons (45 grams)
- Red wine - 1 cup (240 milliliters)
- Beef broth - 2 cups (480 milliliters)
- Crushed tomatoes - 28 ounces (800 grams)
- Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Dried basil - 1 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Bay leaves - 2
- Salt and pepper - to taste
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.
- Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 3 hours, or up to 4 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving (approx. 1 cup): 350-400
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-90 milligrams
- Sodium: 500-600 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 30-35 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich, flavorful, and umami-packed
- Pairs well with various pasta shapes, such as spaghetti, penne, and lasagna
- A versatile sauce that can be used in other dishes, such as soups and stews
User Comments:
- "This sauce was absolutely divine! The depth of flavor was incredible."
- "I'm not a huge meat fan, but this sauce is an exception. It's so savory and satisfying."
- "I used a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, and it added a delicious kick."
- "The sauce was perfect for my dinner party. Everyone raved about it."
- "I love that I can simmer this sauce for hours and the flavors just get better."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use high-quality ground beef and pork for the best flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Simmering the sauce for several hours allows the flavors to develop fully.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer it for longer or add some tomato paste.
- Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.