Traditional Italian Meat Sauce (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, finely chopped
04 - 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Meat & Liquids

06 - 1 lb ground beef
07 - 1/2 lb ground pork
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1 cup dry white wine

→ Tomatoes & Seasonings

10 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1 tsp dried basil
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ For Serving

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
17 - 1 lb cooked pasta

# Instructions:

01 - Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery to create a traditional Italian soffritto.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (5-7 minutes).
03 - Stir in minced garlic, then add ground beef and pork. Brown the meat until no pink remains, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Pour in the milk and simmer until mostly absorbed. Add white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 5-10 minutes.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Use high-quality tomatoes for a richer flavor
02 - Sauce tastes even better the next day
03 - Pairs best with tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta