Heart-Healthy Pasta with Beef Ragu

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of "Heart-Healthy Pasta with Beef Ragu," a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite that's perfect for a balanced lifestyle. This wholesome recipe features tender whole-grain pasta topped with a hearty, lean beef ragu packed with finely chopped veggies like carrots, celery, and onion for a boost of fiber and nutrients. Simmered with aromatic garlic, herbs, and low-sodium crushed tomatoes, this dish delivers robust flavor without compromising on health. Finished with fresh parsley and a light sprinkling of parmesan, this heart-healthy dinner is both satisfying and mindful. Ready in just an hour, it's an ideal choice for a nourishing weeknight meal that supports your wellness goals!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole-grain pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (low sodium)
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the canned crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the ragu simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and remove the sauce from the heat.

Step 8

Serve the ragu over a bed of cooked whole-grain pasta. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2176.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2062.7

Total Fat 97.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 295.1mg	0%
Sodium 1410.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.7g	0%
Total Sugars 45.0g
Protein 141.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 990.2mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 5127.5mg	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: 41.0%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 32.7%