How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Simple Italian Meat Sauce?

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 5 large whole garlic cloves, 1 -3 tablespoon sugar (depending on the acidity of the tomato juice), and more.

Is Simple Italian Meat Sauce suitable as meat & poultry?

Yes, Simple Italian Meat Sauce falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Simple Italian Meat Sauce?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Simple Italian Meat Sauce Recipe

Name: Simple Italian Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 large whole garlic cloves; 1 -3 tablespoon sugar (depending on the acidity of the tomato juice); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon sweet basil; 3 bay leaves (take out after cooked); 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

Try this homemade Simple Italian Meat Sauce recipe the whole family will love. Made with ground beef, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and sugar. Easy ste…

This Simple Italian Meat Sauce relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as ground beef, extra virgin olive oil, large whole garlic cloves and salt. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 774 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Simple Italian Meat Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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