Ingredient

Meat Sauce

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

No

Role in food

Manufacturers add meat sauce to products as a primary flavor component and a source …

What it is

Meat sauce is a savory sauce made primarily from ground meat (often beef, pork, or a combination), tomatoes or tomato paste, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It is typically simmered for an extended period to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add meat sauce to products as a primary flavor component and a source of protein. It is a staple in many Italian-American dishes and is commonly found in frozen dinners and entrees, deli items, and pasta dishes, providing a hearty and flavorful base.

Health notes

Meat sauce is a prepared food item, not a single food additive, so it is not subject to approval or evaluation by bodies like the FDA (for additives), JECFA, or EFSA as a whole. Its nutritional profile, including fat, sodium, and calorie content, varies significantly based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Consumers should refer to the nutrition label of specific products for detailed information.

Allergen info

Meat sauce frequently contains major allergens such as milk (from cheese or cream) and wheat (from pasta or thickeners). Depending on the recipe, it may also contain other allergens. Consumers should always check the ingredient list for specific allergen information.

Products containing Meat Sauce

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PRIANO Bolognese Ziti Pasta Other Deli High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 187kcal 7Protein 7.3Fat 21.3Carbs Conagra Frozen Foods Lasagna With Meat Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 97kcal 4.8Protein 3.1Fat 12.3Carbs Barilla G & R F.Lli S.P.A. Meat Sauce Gemelli Italian-Style Entrees, Meat Sauce Gemelli Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 125kcal 5.5Protein 1.4Fat 24.7Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Bowl Other Deli High in sodium — 71% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 224kcal 9.4Protein 6.2Fat 30.3Carbs Safeway, Inc. Classic Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Classic Pasta In A Hearty Meat Sauce Made With Sauteed Onions And Chunky Tomatoes, Classic Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 118kcal 4.7Protein 2.6Fat 17.9Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Baked Ziti With Meat Sauce Other Deli High in sodium — 71% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 224kcal 9.4Protein 6.2Fat 30.3Carbs Completely Fresh Foods, Inc Meat Lovers Pasta Meat Sauce With Ground Beef, Pepperoni, Sausage & Pasta, Meat Lovers Pasta Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving —kcal 7.7Protein 8.2Fat 4.7Carbs Safeway, Inc. Four Cheese Lasagna With Meat Sauce Layered Pasta With Romano, Ricotta, Mozzarella And Parmesan Cheeses, Bechamel And Meat Sauce, Four Cheese Lasagna With Meat Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 123kcal 5.3Protein 3.8Fat 16.4Carbs Genova Delicatessen Lasagne With Meat Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 188kcal 11.8Protein 10.6Fat 10.6Carbs Marie Callender's Retail Foods Spaghetti With Meat Sauce With Seasoned Garlic Bread, Meat Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 127kcal 4.7Protein 4.2Fat 17.6Carbs Tuscan Brands, LLC. Artisan Italian Recipe Lasagna, Artisan Italian Recipe Other Deli High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 163kcal 8.4Protein 6.6Fat 17.2Carbs Tuscan Brands, LLC. Artisan Italian Style Lasagna, Artisan Italian Style Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 146kcal 6.7Protein 5.9Fat 16.3Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.