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–+ servings
A Bolognese Variation
This hearty Bolognese variation blends ground beef and pork with layers of rich tomato flavor, sautéed vegetables, and savory enhancements like Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce. The inclusion of green peppers, mushrooms, and stuffed olives gives this sauce a distinct depth, while the careful simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully. It's a bold and satisfying meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. While it's inspired by traditional Italian ragù, the additions give it a unique, vintage American twist—great for Sunday dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 619 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 green pepper (chopped)
  • 4 clove garlic (minced)
  • 3 onions (medium, chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 10¾ oz tomato soup
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 15 oz tomatoes (1 can)
  • 7 oz mushrooms ( large can, drained)
  • 1 bottle stuffed olives (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Water and additional olive oil for boiling spaghetti

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Meat

  • In a large iron skillet, brown ground beef and pork together over medium heat.
  • Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  • Add chopped onions, green pepper, and minced garlic.
  • Sauté in olive oil until vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Flavorings

  • Stir in tomato soup, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
  • Add mushrooms and sliced stuffed olives.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

  • Mix in Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, paprika, bay leaf, cloves, laurel leaves, and optional chili pod.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer

  • Reduce heat and let sauce simmer slowly for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

  • Boil 1 lb spaghetti in salted water with a few drops of olive oil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Serve

  • Serve sauce generously over spaghetti. Garnish with grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips

  • Add red wine while simmering for deeper flavor.
  • Replace stuffed olives with black olives if preferred.
  • Add fresh basil or oregano near the end of cooking.
  • For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the final 30–45 minutes.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Add diced carrots and celery to make it more traditionally Italian.
  • For spiciness, increase Tabasco or add crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use fresh mushrooms instead of canned for better texture.
  • Serve over any pasta shape if spaghetti isn’t available.
  • Make ahead, this sauce tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 619kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 496mgPotassium: 1217mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1182IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 4mg
Keyword comfort food, family dinner, heirloom recipe, homemade, meat sauce, pasta sauce, vintage recipe
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