Italian Meat Sauce with BEEF & PORK

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: beef broth

Grape juice adds sweetness without alcohol, and broth is a budget-friendly option.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino is often less expensive.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: store-brand canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be healthier, while store brands save money.

Heat a large pan or pot to medium with the olive oil. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the beef and pork and cook until browned. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until fragrant. Add the hot red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more.

Add the wine to the pan and turn the heat to high. Once the wine reduces by half, turn the heat back down to medium and add the tomatoes. Bring to a lively simmer, then turn the heat to low. Taste test the sauce and season with salt and pepper as required. Let the sauce gently cook on low and move to the next step.

Preheat oven to 375°F and set the rack to the middle level.

While the sauce is simmering bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until 3 minutes less than al dente.

If the sauce is too thick, mix in a 1/2-1 cup of water. Prepare a 9x13" baking dish by placing a 1/4-inch thick layer of sauce on the bottom.

Place 4 cups of sauce into a large bowl and add the pasta. Add the Pecorino Romano, and 3/4 of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well.

Pour the pasta into the baking dish. Top with a thin layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes or until browned on top. For extra color broil for 1-2 more minutes but watch carefully! Wait at least 10-15 minutes before eating so that the pasta settles. Enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens