EMERIL’S MEAT SAUCE

Emeril's Meat Sauce

Buy the best quality whole tomatoes for this one and break them up by gently squeezing with your hands, it's easy. Use gloves if you prefer.

• Yield:About 1 1/2 to 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 pound ground beef
• 1/3 pound ground veal
• 1/3 pound ground pork
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 (28 ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, crushed with your hands
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 4 cups beef stock or water
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• Pinch of crushed red pepper
• 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

• In a large nonreactive saucepan, over medium heat, add the oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the meat. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. When the oil is hot, add the meat and brown for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, celery, and carrots.
• Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk the tomato paste with the stock and add to the tomatoes. Add the thyme, bay leaves, oregano, basil and red pepper. Mix well. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed. During the last 30 minutes or cooking, reseason with salt and pepper and stir in the cheese. Remove from the heat and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.