Olive Garden's Meat Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

This hearty meat sauce captures the rich flavors of traditional Italian cooking, featuring a blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for serving over pasta or as a base for lasagna, this recipe brings the comforting taste of Olive Garden right into your home. It's a satisfying dish that meets the needs of meat lovers and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Add water to the mixture and stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.