Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Italian favorite with a heart-healthy twist in this "Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce." Made with a wholesome blend of lean ground turkey and beef, this sauce is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and infused with aromatic garlic, dried herbs, and a hint of red pepper for a gentle kick. The combination of crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth creates a perfectly thick and flavorful base, all slow-simmered to perfection in just over 90 minutes. Low in sodium but rich in taste, this sauce is perfect for pairing with whole-grain pasta or zoodles for a guilt-free indulgence. Garnished with fresh basil, this recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a delicious, heart-smart meal that doesn’t compromise on depth or tradition. Perfect for meal prepping or family dinners, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:100 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 0.5 pound Lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium Carrots, finely chopped
• 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0 Salt, to taste (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and beef, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

Remove the browned meats from the pan and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3

To the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 4

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly with the vegetables.

Step 6

Return the browned meats to the pan. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer for about 80-90 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 8

If desired, season with salt to taste, though keeping salt minimal will support heart-health objectives.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve hot over your choice of whole-grain pasta, and garnish with fresh chopped basil.

Step 10

Enjoy your heart-healthy classic Bolognese meat sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2297.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1816.3

Total Fat 89.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 487.6mg	0%
Sodium 1292.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.6g	0%
Total Sugars 49.3g
Protein 164.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 502.6mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 5315.8mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 36.3%

Carbs: 19.6%