Heart-Healthy Classic Italian Ragu

Savor the bold, comforting flavors of our Heart-Healthy Classic Italian Ragu, a nutritious twist on a traditional favorite. This hearty sauce swaps out fatty meats for lean ground turkey, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for a wholesome foundation. A simmered blend of crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and optional red wine creates a rich, flavorful ragu that's perfect for laid-back family dinners or cozy nights in. Served over tender whole-grain spaghetti, this dish is not only packed with fiber but also low in sodium to support your heart health. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow-cooked finish, this satisfying Italian meal is as delicious as it is nourishing—ideal for anyone seeking comfort food made guilt-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 medium, diced carrot
• 2 diced celery stalk
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup red wine (optional)
• 12 ounces whole grain spaghetti

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Remove turkey from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

Add minced garlic; cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom, and allow it to simmer for 3 minutes.

Step 6

Return the turkey to the pan. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and stir in oregano, basil, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt.

Step 7

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

While the ragu simmers, cook whole grain spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

Once the ragu is thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 10

Serve the ragu over spaghetti, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2355.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1742.1

Total Fat 66.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 324.0mg	0%
Sodium 2692.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.1g	0%
Total Sugars 50.6g
Protein 124.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 506.0mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 5285.1mg	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: 33.5%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 38.8%