Olive Spaghetti With Italian Meat Sauce
A hearty spaghetti dish brimming with savory beef, tangy olives, and aromatic herbs—perfect for a quick family dinner that feels like a comforting Italian trattoria.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 cans (6 oz. each) tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms, undrained ⓘ
- 12 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (4 1/2 oz.) sliced ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent; drain excess fat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish's aroma and taste. You can also experiment with different types of pasta if you prefer something other than spaghetti, such as penne or fettuccine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Olive Spaghetti With Italian Meat Sauce hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it alongside a classic Italian recipe like Best Lasagne for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Spaghetti With Italian Meat Sauce contains roughly 570 calories, with 32g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2268mg per serving (99% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, you'll need about 4 cups of diced tomatoes. Cook them down until they release their juices and thicken before adding other ingredients. This will give your sauce a fresh taste, but it may require additional cooking time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of lentils or finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add more mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor of the sauce. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to maintain the flavor profile.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, add a bit of water or vegetable broth gradually while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. You can also incorporate a splash of olive oil for a silkier texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after adding liquid.
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).