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Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables Recipe

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Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables is a hearty tomato-based sauce made with seasoned ground meat and finely chopped vegetables that blend seamlessly into every bite. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed sauce perfect for pasta, lasagna, stuffed peppers, and meal prep.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Carrots, finely grated or chopped
  • Zucchini, finely grated
  • Mushrooms, finely chopped
  • Celery, finely chopped
  • Red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • Tomato paste
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth or vegetable broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Cook the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened and the vegetables have blended into the sauce.
  8. Use an immersion blender if you prefer a completely smooth sauce with fully hidden vegetables.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve over pasta or use in your favorite recipes.

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
  • Add spinach, kale, or butternut squash for even more vegetables.
  • Stir in a splash of red wine before adding the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/meat-sauce-with-hidden-vegetables-recipe/