Meat sauce

Certainly! Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious meat sauce that you can use for pasta, lasagna, or other dishes:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (you can also use a mixture of pork and beef)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
5. Once the meat is browned, add grated carrot and chopped celery. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
6. Pour in the red wine (if using) and allow it to cook for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly.
7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
8. Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
9. Drop in the bay leaf, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can simmer longer for a richer flavor.
10. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your meat sauce over pasta, in lasagna, or any way you prefer!