Heart-Healthy Savory Ground Meat in Tomato Herb Sauce

Transform your weeknight meals with this Heart-Healthy Savory Ground Meat in Tomato Herb Sauce—an irresistible combination of lean protein, vibrant tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Featuring extra-lean ground turkey or chicken, this dish is sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a rich, no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with oregano, basil, and thyme. Low-sodium chicken broth and a touch of red pepper flakes elevate the flavor while keeping it health-conscious. Served over wholesome whole grain pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, this protein-packed, nutrient-dense recipe is quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Ideal for those seeking a heart-healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, it's a satisfying and guilt-free way to enjoy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounce can canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, no salt added
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 ounces whole grain pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.

Step 7

Add the oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve the savory ground meat in tomato herb sauce over cooked whole grain pasta.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1505.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1148.9

Total Fat 26.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 448.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 102.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.2g
Protein 140.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 247.0mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 2982.1mg	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: 19.7%

Protein: 46.4%

Carbs: 34.0%