17 Italian Meat Sauce Recipe With Fresh Herbs They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian meat sauce, also known as ragu, is a traditional and beloved dish that has been passed down through generations in Italy. This rich and flavorful sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, lasagna, and meatballs. While there are many variations of this sauce, the key to a truly authentic and delicious Italian meat sauce is using fresh herbs. In this article, we will share with you our tried and tested Italian meat sauce recipe with fresh herbs that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
Main Ingredients: Ripe Tomatoes, Red Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks
If you're looking for a classic Italian tomato sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Pomarola. This simple yet delicious sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and is the perfect complement to juicy chicken cooked on the grill.
To make Pomarola, start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant. Then, add chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors have melded together. Serve over your beer can chicken for a taste of Italy in every bite.
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Basil Walnut Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Large Garlic Cloves
For a twist on traditional pesto, try this recipe for Basil Walnut Pesto. Made with fresh basil, walnuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, this flavorful sauce is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken. In a food processor, blend together the basil, walnuts, and garlic until finely chopped. Then, slowly add in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Finally, stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle this pesto over your chicken for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
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Pressure Cooker Italian Meat Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Large Carrot, Garlic, Crushed
Short on time but still want a homemade Italian meat sauce for your beer can chicken? This Pressure Cooker Italian Meat Sauce has got you covered. Using a pressure cooker cuts the cooking time in half, making this sauce a quick and easy option for your chicken. Simply brown ground beef and Italian sausage in the pressure cooker, then add in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and herbs. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Serve over your chicken for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Another speedy option for a delicious Italian meat sauce is this Quick Italian Meat Sauce. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes, this sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes. Simply brown the beef and onions in a large saucepan, then add in minced garlic, canned tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Classic Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pancetta
No list of Italian sauces would be complete without the classic Bolognese sauce. This rich and meaty sauce is made with ground beef, pancetta, and a variety of vegetables for a complex and flavorful taste. Brown the beef and pancetta in a large saucepan, then add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer for about an hour, until it has thickened and the flavors have developed. Serve over your chicken for a traditional Italian meal.
If you prefer a meatier sauce for your chicken, try this recipe for Italian Meat Sauce. Made with ground beef and Italian sausage, this sauce is hearty and flavorful. In a large saucepan, brown the meat until cooked through, then add in diced onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Cook until the sauce has thickened, then stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve over your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Easy Italian Meat Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Crushed Tomatoes, Crushed
Looking for a simple yet delicious Italian meat sauce for your beer can chicken? This Easy Italian Meat Sauce fits the bill. Made with ground beef, canned tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices, this sauce is easy to make and full of flavor. Brown the beef in a large saucepan, then add in diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Serve over your chicken for a delicious and easy meal.
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Italian Peperonata Sauce
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Leek, Purple Onion
For a unique and flavorful sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Italian Peperonata Sauce. Made with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, this sauce has a sweet and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with chicken. In a large saucepan, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until softened, then add in diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Cook until the sauce has thickened, then serve over your chicken for a burst of flavor.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil Leaves, Crushed
No need to reach for the store-bought marinara sauce when you can easily make your own at home. This Homemade Marinara Sauce is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet delicious sauce to pair with your beer can chicken. Cook minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in canned tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a homemade touch.
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Ragù bolognese, the Italian meat sauce
Main Ingredients: Minced Veal, White Onion, Carrot, Red Wine, Full Fat
This traditional Italian meat sauce, also known as Ragù bolognese, is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with ground beef, pancetta, and a variety of vegetables, this sauce is rich and flavorful. Brown the meat and pancetta in a large saucepan, then add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Simmer the sauce for about an hour, until it has thickened and the flavors have developed. Serve over your chicken for a traditional Italian meal.
If you like a little heat in your sauces, try this Italian Arrabbiata Sauce with your beer can chicken. Made with crushed red pepper flakes, this sauce has a spicy kick that pairs well with chicken. Sauté minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant, then add in canned tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a flavorful and spicy meal.
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Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Italian Parsley
For a quick and easy tomato sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is simple yet full of flavor. In a large saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in diced tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a taste of Italy in every bite.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
If you love the taste of fresh basil, this Easy Basil Pesto Sauce is a must-try for your beer can chicken. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, this sauce is full of herbaceous flavor. In a food processor, blend together the basil, pine nuts, and minced garlic until finely chopped. Then, slowly add in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Finally, stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle this pesto over your chicken for a burst of flavor.
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Italian Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
For a hearty and flavorful sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, try this recipe for Italian Gravy, also known as Spaghetti Sauce. Made with ground beef, onions, and a variety of vegetables, this sauce is perfect for a Sunday family dinner. Brown the beef and onions in a large saucepan, then add in minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about an hour, until it has thickened and the flavors have developed. Serve over your chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Tomatoes, Crushed Red
No list of Italian sauces would be complete without a classic marinara sauce. This simple yet delicious sauce is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken. In a large saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in diced tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a flavorful meal.
For a traditional Italian meat sauce with a twist, try this recipe for Traditional Bolognese Sauce. Made with ground beef, pancetta, and a variety of vegetables, this sauce is rich and flavorful. Brown the meat and pancetta in a large saucepan, then add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer for about an hour, until it has thickened and the flavors have developed. Serve over your chicken for a taste of Italy in every bite.
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Easy Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
If you're short on time but still want a flavorful sauce for your beer can chicken, try this Easy Marinara Sauce. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes. In a large saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in diced tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a quick and delicious meal.
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Italian Bolognese Sauce (Ragù)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onions, Carrots, Garlic, Basil
For a hearty and flavorful sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Italian Bolognese Sauce, also known as Ragù. Made with ground beef, pancetta, and a variety of vegetables, this sauce is perfect for a cozy night in. Brown the meat and pancetta in a large saucepan, then add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer for about an hour, until it has thickened and the flavors have developed. Serve over your chicken for a traditional Italian meal.
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ITALIAN HOMEMADE SUNDAY SAUCE
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Salt, Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This Italian Homemade Sunday Sauce is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. Made with a variety of meats, including pork ribs, sausage, and meatballs, this sauce is rich and flavorful. Brown the meats in a large saucepan, then add in diced onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Cook until the sauce has thickened, then add in your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Simmer for several hours, until the flavors have developed and the meats are tender. Serve over your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Italian meal.
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Quick Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Crushed Tomatoes, Bay Leaf, Oregano
This Quick Marinara Sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes. In a large saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in diced tomatoes and your choice of herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, then serve over your chicken for a quick and delicious meal.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs
When it comes to cooking, using fresh herbs can make all the difference in the taste and flavor of a dish. In the case of Italian meat sauce, the use of fresh herbs elevates the dish to a whole new level. The combination of fresh basil, oregano, and parsley adds a depth of flavor and aroma that cannot be replicated by dried herbs. Not only do these herbs enhance the taste of the sauce, but they also provide added health benefits, as they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Choosing the Right Herbs
When making Italian meat sauce, it is important to choose the right herbs to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. In addition to the traditional herbs mentioned above, you can also experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. These herbs can add a unique twist to the sauce and make it your own. Make sure to use fresh herbs and chop them finely to release their flavors into the sauce.
When to Add the Herbs
To ensure that the herbs retain their freshness and flavor, it is best to add them towards the end of the cooking process. This will prevent them from becoming overcooked and losing their potency. When making Italian meat sauce, add the herbs in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to allow their flavors to infuse into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, using fresh herbs in your Italian meat sauce can take it from good to exceptional. Not only do they add a burst of flavor, but they also provide added health benefits. So next time you make this beloved dish, don't forget to use fresh herbs and experience the true taste of Italy. Give our Italian meat sauce recipe with fresh herbs a try and we guarantee you won't be disappointed. Buon appetito!