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Close-up of rich, thick Easy Weeknight Meat Sauce with ground beef simmering in a black skillet, stirred by a wooden spoon.

Easy Weeknight Meat Sauce (Ground Beef Marinara)

This easy meat sauce is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a simple ground beef marinara that comes together quickly and is full of flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Simmer Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced small
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 Pinch chili flakes optional
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 25 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until onions are soft and starting to caramelize.
  2. Add garlic and dried spices – oregano, basil, and dried chili if using, and cook for another minute or so, until spices are fragrant.
  3. Move onions to the side of the pan and add ground beef, pressing into a thin layer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up meat and stirring in onions and garlic, until meat is cooked through and the extra moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add marinara sauce and red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced slightly, and flavors have married.
  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve over your favorite pasta, lasagna, ravioli, roasted sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, greens, or spiralized veggie noodles.

Notes

This meat sauce is versatile and can be served with many dishes. It also freezes well for future meals.

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