Heart-Healthy Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce

Indulge in the comforting richness of a classic Italian dish with a nutritious twist—this Heart-Healthy Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce is a flavorful, wholesome alternative to the traditional recipe. Made with extra-lean ground beef, a trio of aromatic vegetables, and a luscious base of low-sodium crushed tomatoes, this sauce enhances every bite without compromising on heart-conscious ingredients. Infused with a splash of dry white wine and a touch of skim milk for depth, it’s slowly simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil to meld beautifully. Serve it over whole grain pasta or your favorite high-fiber alternative for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that’s cozy, delicious, and easy on the heart.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounce low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn.

Step 4

Add the extra-lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked through.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, incorporating it well into the meat and vegetable mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the dry white wine and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 8

Stir in the oregano, basil, bay leaf, ground black pepper, and salt.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process helps to develop the flavors.

Step 10

Approximately 15 minutes before the sauce is finished, gradually stir in the skim milk. Continue to simmer, ensuring the sauce does not boil.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 12

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the sauce just before serving.

Step 13

Serve the Bolognese sauce over whole grain pasta or a high-fiber alternative for a complete heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2399.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1626.7

Total Fat 53.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 347.5mg	0%
Sodium 2089.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.1g	0%
Total Sugars 65.5g
Protein 136.4g	0%

Vitamin D 139.1IU	0%
Calcium 892.0mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 6332.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 36.4%

Carbs: 31.5%