Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Ground Beef

Savor the comforting flavors of our Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Ground Beef, a wholesome twist on a family favorite! This nutritious recipe features tender whole-grain macaroni paired with lean ground beef, earthy spinach, and a medley of aromatic garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Simmered in a rich, low-sodium tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction without compromising your health goals. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal comes together in just 45 minutes, offering a balanced, protein-packed dinner for the whole family. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch, or enjoy as is for a dairy-free option. This heart-healthy comfort food recipe is ideal for those seeking nutritious, flavorful meals the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-grain macaroni
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish heart-healthy.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and tomato paste into the skillet. Mix in the Italian seasoning and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni and chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is well combined.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Step 10

Serve the macaroni immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1902.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2610.2

Total Fat 87.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 387.8mg	0%
Sodium 1562.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 305.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.4g	0%
Total Sugars 32.7g
Protein 171.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1092.3mg	0%
Iron 30.6mg	0%
Potassium 4693.6mg	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: 29.1%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 45.4%