Joann Bowden'S Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A hearty Italian-inspired spaghetti dish featuring rich meat sauce with olives and mushrooms, perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz) can pitted ripe olives, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 2 (1 1/2 oz) envelopes Italian style spaghetti sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 16 oz Italian spaghetti ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and green pepper until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sliced olives, Italian spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, water, sugar, oregano, and garlic.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Place the sauce in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.
- Cook spaghetti as directed on the package.
- Heat the sauce and serve over the cooked spaghetti, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette pairs nicely with this hearty dish. For a twist, consider serving with a side of Fettuccine With Spinach for added greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joann Bowden'S Spaghetti With Meat Sauce contains roughly 699 calories, with 28g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (249% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce actually tastes better when made in advance, as the flavors meld together overnight. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it before serving. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to create a lighter or vegetarian version. For a unique flavor, try using Italian sausage or a mix of meats, such as beef and pork.
How do I know when the spaghetti is cooked perfectly?
To achieve al dente spaghetti, cook it according to package directions but start checking a minute or two before the recommended time. It should be tender but still firm to the bite. Toss it immediately with the hot sauce to absorb flavors.
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).