Heart-Healthy Rich Ground Meat Sauce

Dive into the comforting flavors of this Heart-Healthy Rich Ground Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with extra lean ground turkey and nutrient-packed vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, and onions, this sauce is both delicious and nutritious. Simmered to perfection with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, it achieves a rich depth of flavor without added sodium. Fragrant herbs like basil and oregano, along with a hint of red pepper flakes, elevate the dish to gourmet levels, while fresh parsley provides a bright finishing touch. Ready in just an hour, this low-fat, high-protein sauce is perfect for pairing with whole-grain pasta or using as a versatile meal prep staple. It's a heart-smart choice for the health-conscious foodie!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a large, deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the meat for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar to the pan, stirring well to combine.

Step 7

Season the mixture with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.

Step 11

Serve the sauce over whole-grain pasta or use as desired in other recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1912.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1195.4

Total Fat 40.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 493.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.0g	0%
Total Sugars 51.4g
Protein 135.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 327.8mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 4535.3mg	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: 28.8%

Protein: 43.2%

Carbs: 28.0%