Learn how to make a delicious and rich Olive Garden-inspired meat sauce at home. This homemade recipe features a blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian spices, perfect for pasta, lasagna, and more!
Olive Garden’s Meat Sauce is a savory and rich dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs and spices.
This hearty sauce is simmered to perfection, creating a robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with pasta, lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce.
The balance of savory meat and tangy tomato makes it a comforting favorite, and best of all, you can easily recreate it at home for a restaurant-quality meal. Whether served over spaghetti or used in a casserole, this meat sauce brings the classic Olive Garden experience right to your kitchen!
Why You Will Love Olive Garden Meat Sauce
- Rich, authentic Italian flavor in every bite
- Perfect sauce for pasta, lasagna, or dipping
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy together
- Savory blend of herbs and tender ground beef
- Great for meal prep or freezer-friendly leftovers
- Pairs well with garlic bread and fresh salads
- Better than takeout—homemade and customizable
- Comfort food that satisfies every craving
Olive Garden Meat Sauce Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Onion: Provides a savory, aromatic base.
- Carrot: Balances acidity with natural sweetness.
- Celery: Adds texture and earthy flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Boosts bold, aromatic notes.
- Ground Beef: Offers hearty and savory goodness.
- Italian Sausage: Adds spice and depth to sauce.
- Red Wine: Enhances flavor with bold richness.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce base.
- Rosemary: Brings fragrant, earthy herb.
- Dried Sage: Infuses warm, slightly peppery notes.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all flavors perfectly.
How To Make Olive Garden Meat Sauce
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break the meat into crumbles using a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Pour in the red wine and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, sage, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld.
Step 7: Once thickened and flavorful, the sauce is ready. Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Olive Garden Meat Sauce Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Meats: Use a blend of lean ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage for the best taste. You can use sweet or spicy sausage based on your preference.
- Dice Vegetables Finely: Finely diced onion, carrot, and celery ensure a smooth texture in the sauce. A food processor can speed up this step.
- Don’t Skip the Wine: Red wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with beef broth for a similar rich flavor.
- Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps develop the rich, hearty flavors. Longer simmering (up to an hour) will make it even better.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, herbs, or spices as needed. Fresh rosemary and sage can also elevate the flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator overnight for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Freezing Tip: Double the recipe and freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat for a quick dinner.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with your favorite pasta, garlic bread, and a fresh green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- Don’t Forget the Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for that authentic Olive Garden touch!
Storing
- Storing: To store Olive Garden Meat Sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, portion the meat sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed.
What To Serve With Olive Garden Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Olive Garden Spaghetti Meat Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve it with freshly baked garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce, or a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, add a healthy touch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti enhances the flavor. For a more indulgent side, try some creamy mashed potatoes or a side of cheesy stuffed breadsticks. Each option complements the rich, hearty meat sauce and creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Olive Garden Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Faqs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes! You can make the Olive Garden Spaghetti Meat Sauce ahead of time. After it’s cooked, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage? Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef and Italian sausage for a lighter version of the sauce. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I make the sauce spicier? If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce while the sauce is simmering. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of heat.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian? Yes! To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and replace it with plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty alternative.
How do I thicken the sauce? If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, mix in a small amount of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to achieve a thicker consistency.
What kind of pasta should I use with this meat sauce? Spaghetti is the classic choice, but this meat sauce also pairs well with other pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Choose your favorite to mix things up!
More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes
- olive garden chicken scampi
- olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
- olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
- olive garden chicken marsala recipe
- olive garden creamy garlic sauce
- air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
- air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
- air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
- air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
- air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
- instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
- air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella
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Olive Garden Meat Sauce
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery , finely diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups red wine
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes, 2 cans
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon sage, dried
- 2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break the meat into crumbles using a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in the red wine and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, sage, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld.
- Once thickened and flavorful, the sauce is ready. Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
Nutrition
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