Olive-Garden Inspired 3 Meat Pasta Sauce | Quick 30-Minute Meals

Today we’re making Olive Garden’s famous Three Meat Sauce — a hearty Italian-style pasta sauce loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. This rich, savory sauce is slow-simmered with onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for pasta night, meal prep, or feeding a crowd! 🍝✨ Ingredients: * 1 lb ground beef (80/20) * ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed) * ½ cup pepperoni, diced * 1 medium onion, finely chopped * 1 green bell pepper, diced * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 1 medium carrot, finely grated (optional but adds sweetness) * ½ cup red wine (Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet) * 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes * 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce * 2 Tbsp tomato paste * 1 tsp dried basil * 1 tsp dried oregano * ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) *1 tsp beef bouillon * 2 tsp sugar (balances acidity) * Salt & pepper to taste * 2 Tbsp olive oil (if needed) * Fresh parsley or Parmesan for garnish Cooking Directions: 1. Brown the Meats * In a large Dutch oven, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat * Add diced pepperoni and cook 1–2 minutes to release oils. Remove meats and set aside. 2. Sauté the Veggies * In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes). 3. Deglaze with Red Wine * Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine reduces by about half (3–4 minutes). 4. Build the Sauce * Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. * Add basil, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 5. Simmer * Return cooked meats to the pot. Stir well. * Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for at least 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the richer it gets. 6. Finish & Serve * Taste and adjust seasonings. * Serve over rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta. Garnish with Parmesan and basil. Cooking With Tammy Season