How to Make the Perfect Marinara Sauce

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: lean ground beef

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Ground beef is lower in fat, while pork shoulder is often more affordable.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Grape juice maintains sweetness without alcohol, vinegar adds acidity.

Italian sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Chicken sausage is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino is a cost-effective cheese alternative.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in canned tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

Add beef chuck, pork shoulder, and Italian sausage to the pot; cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add bay leaves and fresh basil; season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Remove the meat and shred it; return the shredded meat to the sauce.

Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

Serve over pasta, garnished with grated parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens