Old Italian Meat Sauce
This chef-curated Old Italian Meat Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 23g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 501 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Old Italian Meat Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Old Italian Meat Sauce to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Old Italian Meat Sauce, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 3 cups red wine
- 2 pounds fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh
- oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh
- thyme
- 3 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- cheese
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set asideStep 2: Technique & Execution
In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix wellStep 3: Technique & Execution
Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tenderStep 4: Technique & Execution
Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wineStep 5: Technique & Execution
Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.Chef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 501 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 23g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 17g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Old Italian Meat Sauce
This chef-curated Old Italian Meat Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: In a large skillet, brown beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside
Technique & Execution: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender; add about 1/2 cup of wine; mix well
Technique & Execution: Add mushrooms, rosemary, oregano and thyme to skillet and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender
Technique & Execution: Add browned meat, tomato sauce and tomato paste to mixture; simmer for 1 hour and add the remaining 2 cups of wine
Technique & Execution: Simmer sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally; serve.
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Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
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Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
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