Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables
Transform your pasta nights with this savory Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables. Packed with wholesome pureed veggies and rich, seasoned ground beef, it’s a nutritious twist on classic spaghetti sauce that even picky eaters won’t suspect.
Each spoonful brims with vibrant flavors, thanks to the perfect blend of tender carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, and aromatic spices. This hearty sauce pairs effortlessly with any pasta, making it a family favorite for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Elevate the experience with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality touch. Healthy, delicious, and irresistibly satisfying—this sauce proves you can have it all.
Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables: Ingredients That Shine
- Yellow Onion: The aromatic backbone of the sauce, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
- Carrots: Naturally sweet and vibrant, they bring balance to the tangy tomatoes.
- Zucchini: A mild, tender addition that blends seamlessly for a silky texture.
- Red Bell Pepper: Bold and slightly sweet, it enhances the sauce’s rich, robust flavor.
- Ground Beef: Hearty and savory, it forms the protein-packed heart of this comforting sauce.
- Tomatoes (Diced & Sauce): Juicy and tangy, they create a lush, flavorful base.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory kick that elevates every bite.
- Herbs (Oregano & Basil): A classic duo that infuses the sauce with warm, Mediterranean notes.
Recipe Tips
- Maximize Vegetable Flavor
For the best results, take your time sautéing the vegetable mixture. Cooking them until lightly browned deepens their natural sweetness and enhances the sauce’s flavor. This step also ensures the hidden veggies blend seamlessly into the sauce. - Customize the Texture
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after it simmers. For a chunkier texture, pulse the vegetables less in the food processor before cooking, or add diced veggies after pureeing. - Enhance with Seasonings
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce while it simmers. This can elevate the dish to suit your taste.
What to Serve with Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables
- Pasta Classics
Pair this hearty sauce with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a comforting and traditional meal. The robust flavors cling to the pasta perfectly, making every bite delicious. - Garlic Bread
A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate companion. Its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior balance the richness of the sauce. - Simple Green Salad
A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the hearty sauce, rounding out your meal beautifully.
FAQ
1. Can I freeze this meat sauce?
Yes! Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can swap in broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or mushrooms. Just blend them into the sauce as instructed to keep their flavors subtle.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option that retains the sauce’s hearty texture.
4. How can I make this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a fully gluten-free meal.
Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or 90/10
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and quartered
- 2 medium carrots peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 medium zucchini cut into large chunks
- 1 red bell pepper seeds removed
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 28 ounces 830 ml diced tomatoes (undrained; also referred to as crushed tomatoes in the UK)
- 16 ounces 470 ml tomato sauce (passata in the UK)
- 1 cup 240 ml water
Instructions
- Place the onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Blend the mixture until finely chopped and slightly pulpy in texture.
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the blended vegetable mixture, cooking it for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing it to become lightly browned and aromatic.
- Shift the sautéed vegetables to the edges of the pot. Introduce the ground beef to the center, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Cook until the beef loses its pink color, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, ensuring the spices release their full aroma.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir thoroughly to blend all components. Reduce the heat to medium, allowing the sauce to simmer for 15–20 minutes until the flavors meld and the consistency thickens.
- Serve the sauce over a cooked pasta of your choice. Enhance the dish by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprigs of basil.
