David'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, robust flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 3 Tbsp. garlic
  • 2 cans peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cans tomato paste
  • 1 medium jar black olives
  • 1 medium jar green olives
  • 1 medium green pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 small cans mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Cook and drain the ground beef.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté garlic, diced onions, green pepper, black olives, green olives, and mushrooms.
  3. Add the cooked beef, peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet.
  4. Let the mixture simmer on medium to low heat for 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil while sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef, and canned diced tomatoes can replace peeled tomatoes. Including red wine during the simmering process enhances the sauce's depth, which complements dishes like Herbed Spaghetti Sauce beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try it with Ashley'S Spaghetti Pie for a unique take on classic pasta dishes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions, and it will keep well for about 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of David'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 567 calories, with 16g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (175% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

567 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16g 32% DV
Total Fat 27.5g 35% DV
Carbs 68.5g 25% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 18.2g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 855.4mg 37% DV
Potassium 1199.9mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 11.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 142.5mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 65.4mg 73% DV
Vitamin D 35mcg 100% DV
Calcium 86mg 7% DV
Iron 4.6mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight enhances the flavors. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. It’s perfect for meal prepping or for a busy weeknight dinner.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. Increase the amount of diced vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, for added texture and flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian alternative.

What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?

Classic spaghetti is a popular choice, but this sauce also works well with penne or fettuccine. The sauce's chunky texture clings beautifully to wider noodles, enhancing each bite. For a fun variation, serve it with Pizza By The Yard for a unique twist on traditional pasta.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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