A rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce perfect for pasta or lasagna.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Cooking the paste intensifies its sweetness and richness.
Add the crushed tomatoes, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Adjust seasoning to taste at this stage.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
Serve the sauce over cooked pasta or use it in your favorite Italian dishes.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch.