If you’re looking for a comforting yet nourishing dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, this Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously hearty sauce that combines lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, savory olives, and rich tomato sauce, all simmered to perfection. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients that deliver not only fantastic taste but also a nutritious punch, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver cooking pot filled with a rich red tomato sauce base, topped with several colorful layers: bright red and yellow chopped bell peppers on the right side, a cluster of black olives near the top right, a small pile of green olives at the bottom left, a spoonful of deep red tomato paste on the left side, and a thick layer of light brown dried herbs and black ground pepper powders sprinkled mostly on the upper left side. The pot sits on a stove with stainless steel details against a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the bright, satisfying flavor of this Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in balancing taste, texture, and nutritional value.

2 tablespoons coconut oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the meat beautifully while providing healthy fats.
2 lbs lean ground beef: Provides protein without excess fat, making the sauce hearty but healthy.
3 jars tomato sauce (~2100 mL): Offers a rich, velvety base with natural sweetness and acidity.
1 can tomato paste (156 mL): Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce depth and thickness.
1 can black olives (juice included): Brings a briny, savory punch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of peppers.
1 can green olives (juice included): Adds variety in flavor and texture, enhancing overall complexity.
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Infuses herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which spark that comforting Italian aroma.
2 tablespoons dried basil: Provides a sweet, fragrant note that brightens the sauce.
2 teaspoons sea salt: Balances and highlights the natural flavors of all ingredients.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering any element.
4 sweet bell peppers, chopped: Contribute crunch, color, and a mild sweetness that complements the savory meat and olives.

How to Make Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing a large pot on medium heat and melting the coconut oil. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Cook it for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to break it apart and ensure even browning. This step develops wonderful flavor through the Maillard reaction and creates a savory foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Olives, Spices, and Peppers

Once the meat is browned, it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then add both cans of olives along with their juices. These juices carry tons of flavor, so don’t pour them down the drain! Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, sea salt, and ground black pepper to layer in beautiful herbal and savory notes. Finally, toss in the chopped bell peppers – they will soften and release their natural sweetness as the sauce simmers.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse Flavors

After everything is combined, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let your sauce gently simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld, the vegetables to soften just right, and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency. Stir occasionally but not too often so the sauce’s flavor develops uninterrupted. Once ready, it’s time to enjoy this wholesome creation.

How to Serve Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe

Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make your dish pop visually and flavor-wise, consider topping it with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves after serving. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of creamy ricotta can also add a lovely finishing touch, contrasting the tangy meat sauce with creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This meat sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic options like spaghetti or penne noodles create a comforting pasta dinner, while serving it over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash keeps it lower carb and equally delicious. Don’t overlook crusty whole-grain bread for dipping into every last bit of the sauce – it’s pure joy!

Creative Ways to Present

For something different, spoon this Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe over baked sweet potatoes or even roasted cauliflower steaks for a nutrient-packed meal. It also works as a flavorful filling for stuffed bell peppers or layered into a healthy casserole. The vibrant colors and complex flavors make it a versatile sauce that’s exciting to experiment with.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sauce can be stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. As flavors often deepen overnight, leftovers can taste even better the next day, making it a smart choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Freezing

This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will create a lighter version of the sauce. Just be mindful they may cook faster and often release less fat, so you might want to adjust seasoning or moisture accordingly.

Are the olives necessary for the recipe?

The olives add a wonderful salty, briny complexity that elevates the whole dish, but if you’re not a fan, you can omit them or replace with capers for a similar flavor punch.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to boost nutrition and add more texture. Just chop them finely to ensure they cook evenly within the simmering time.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing and reheating?

Yes, it freezes and reheats beautifully without losing its flavors or texture, making it a convenient make-ahead meal option.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?

This version is mild, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper during the cooking process if you like a bit of kick in your meat sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe has become a personal favorite that I’m thrilled to share with you. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, healthy, and flavorful that invites comfort yet stays nourishing. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own with little tweaks to suit your taste – trust me, you’ll keep coming back for seconds!

Healthy Meat Sauce with Vegetables & Olives Recipe