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Hearty Homemade Tomato Sauce for Lasagna Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This rich and flavorful tomato sauce recipe is perfect for lasagna, combining browned ground beef and sausage with sautéed vegetables, red wine, and Italian herbs. Simmered for up to an hour, this sauce develops deep, complex flavors that complement any layered pasta dish.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground sausage

Vegetables

  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 ounces red wine
  • 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tbsp Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Remove the browned meat from the pot and set aside. Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, chopped celery, and peeled chopped carrot to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for 5 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Simmer sauce: Return the browned meat to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the red wine, then stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-based pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Simmering the sauce slowly allows flavors to develop deeply and results in a rich texture perfect for lasagna.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this sauce.
  • If you prefer, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
  • This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.