Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Meat
- 1–2 pounds of meat (Italian sausage, chicken thighs, or beef)
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Pasta, polenta, or fresh bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Brown the Meat: Add your choice of meat (Italian sausage, chicken thighs, or beef) to the pot. Brown it well on all sides to develop flavor, then remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Build the Sauce Base: To the same pot, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Simmer: Return the browned meat (and any juices) to the pot. Add the bay leaf. Cover and let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. For even deeper flavor, continue to simmer for up to 4 hours, adding a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Shred or slice the meat if desired. Serve hot with pasta, polenta, or bread, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For an even richer sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to let the flavors concentrate.
- Skim off excess fat from the top before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
