Heart-Healthy Classic Beef Spaghetti Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this Heart-Healthy Classic Beef Spaghetti Sauce, a wholesome twist on a beloved favorite. Made with lean ground beef, antioxidant-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil, this recipe is designed to be both nutritious and delicious. Slow-simmered with crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of herbs, this sauce boasts layers of flavor while keeping sodium levels in check. Perfectly paired with whole-grain spaghetti or zucchini noodles, it’s a heart-smart choice for a satisfying family meal. Ready in under an hour and packed with nutrients, this spaghetti sauce proves you can enjoy comfort food without compromise.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 2 stalks celery stalks, chopped
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2

Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, grated carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent and vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked beef, canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium beef broth.

Step 7

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover partially with a lid, and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and discard it before serving.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve over cooked whole-grain spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2050.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1348.1

Total Fat 64.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 281.1mg	0%
Sodium 2232.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.5g	0%
Total Sugars 53.7g
Protein 113.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 508.4mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 4769.2mg	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: 41.1%

Protein: 32.4%

Carbs: 26.5%