The Ingredients
First, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. For a classic beef meat sauce, you’ll require minced beef, onions, and garlic. You will also need tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some prefer adding sugar or red wine to the sauce for some extra flavor. Fresh basil leaves or dried herbs such as oregano or thyme can also be added.
The Preparation
A good beef meat sauce requires a proper preparation process starting with preheating the saucepan. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat to prevent the meat from sticking. Add the minced beef and cook, stirring regularly until it browns. Add the finely diced onion, and garlic into the saucepan and stir the mixture so that the onions are coated in the juices.
Next, pour canned tomatoes, along with the tomato sauce, into the saucepan. Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper, and any other seasonings you plan to use. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Give it about 25-30 minutes to cook, and stir occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water until you reach the desired consistency.
Adding a Little Wine
If you want to add some wine to the sauce for extra flavor, do so about halfway through cooking. Chianti or Merlot are excellent choices. Add a quarter cup of the wine to the saucepan, stirring to mix it in. This will impart a complex flavor to the sauce and help to enhance the taste.
The Finishing Touch
Once your sauce has finished cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat, and allow it to cool for a bit before serving. At this point, you can adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar levels to your taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce to achieve a puree consistency.
Finally, add some freshly chopped basil, or sprinkle some dried oregano or thyme over the top of the dish to give it the finishing touch. Serve the beef meat sauce hot, either over pasta or your preferred dish.
In Summary
Beef meat sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to your cooking. With a little preparation, you can create a rich, flavorful beef meat sauce that is sure to impress. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and take your time to allow the sauce to simmer and develop its flavors. With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious beef meat sauce in no time.