This is the sauce that makes people think you ordered it from a restaurant. Rich, garlicky, and deeply savory. What makes this spaghetti sauce so good is the variety of meats.
There are three different kinds. Hearty ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. I think the pepperoni adds the kicker to the sauce!
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep level: Beginner +
What I Love About This Recipe
- Budget friendly – It’s made with grocery store bought marinara and canned tomatoes.
- Fast & easy – It’s an easy recipe, ready in about an hour with minimal prep.
- Leftovers are delicious – This sauce is even better the next day.
- Versatile – Use ground turkey instead of beef, make it spicy, or add more herbs for your liking.
- Kid-friendly – Simple flavors everyone will love!
Ingredient Notes
- Sauce: Look for a high-quality marinara or traditional pasta sauce. Brands like Rao’s, Classico, or Barilla are great choices for a richer, more authentic taste.
- Pasta: Classic spaghetti works best for that Olive Garden feel, but you can also use angel hair, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a dutch oven or large pot, saute onions in the olive oil over medium high heat until they are translucent.
Add the marinara sauce, tomatoes, pepperoni, garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Turn the heat to low.
In a large skillet combine the beef and sausage. Use a ground meat chopper to break up the meat. Brown meat over medium heat. Drain the meat in a mesh strainer to remove the fat.
Stir the cooked meat into the sauce. Let the sauce come to a low boil and then lower heat and simmer.
Serve with your favorite pasta. Follow package directions for tender pasta.
See the recipe card below for complete measurements and cook times.
Fun Fact
The most popular pasta in the United States as well as the world is spaghetti!
Slow Cooker Method
Brown the meat first, then combine the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Storing
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Olive Garden Meat Sauce
A hearty plate of spaghetti with meat sauce pairs well with classic Italian sides and simple vegetables.
- If you’re looking for a restaurant-style meal, add a side of crispy Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli.
- Side salad – A Caesar salad or chopped salad adds a fresh, light contrast.
- Serve it with breadsticks or warm garlic bread from Miss In The Kitchen to soak up every bit of the rich sauce.
- A Glass of Red Wine – Chianti, Cabernet, or a smooth red blend enhances the Italian flavors.
- If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a slice of tiramisu or cheesecake for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and seasonings gives this sauce its rich, hearty flavor. Letting it simmer allows the ingredients to bleed together, creating a delicious, restaurant-inspired meat sauce that’s even better than takeout.
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors become een better after a day in the fridge. Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and helps the sauce thicken naturally.
Of course! If you like a little heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or substitute hot Italian sausage for the mild sausage. It’s an easy way to give this hearty meat sauce a spicy kick.
Easy Olive Garden Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe (Copycat)
A delicious and easy Olive Garden copycat recipe. Made with jarred marinara sauce, canned tomatoes, and three different types of meat.
Ingredients
- 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 jars)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 3/4 cup pepperoni – chopped
- 16 ounces chopped tomatoes (1 can)
- 1 medium yellow onion – chopped
- 2 fresh garlic cloves – minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional – Fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or large pot, saute onions in the olive oil over medium heat until they are translucent.
- Add the marinara sauce, tomatoes, pepperoni, garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Turn the heat to low.
- In a large skillet combine the beef and sausage. Use a ground meat chopper to break up the meat.
- Brown meat over medium heat.
- Use a mesh strainer and drain the meat to remove the fat.
- Stir the cooked meat into the sauce. Let the sauce come to a low boil and then lower heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite pasta. Follow package directions for tender pasta.
Notes
Helpful Tips
- If you are feeding a lager crowd (over 10 people), use 3-4 jars of sauce. It will not be as meaty but will still have awesome flavor.
- If you have leftove rs, I recommend storing the sauce and the pasta together in an airtight container. It is easier to reheat. The sauce keeps the pasta tender and moist.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 451Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1246mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 26g
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