Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious twist on a classic with our Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Ground Beef. This wholesome recipe swaps traditional pasta for fiber-packed whole wheat spaghetti and features extra-lean ground beef for a lighter, protein-rich base. The sauce is a medley of vibrant flavors, combining the natural sweetness of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, the earthy goodness of fresh spinach, and a fragrant blend of Italian herbs. A touch of olive oil and a hint of garlic elevate the dish, while low-sodium broth keeps it heart-smart. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, serving up to four. Top it off with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional) for an elegant finish. Healthy, hearty, and undeniably delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 pound Extra-lean ground beef (at least 93% lean)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
• 28 ounces Diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste, no salt added
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the extra-lean ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, low-sodium broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Once the sauce has finished simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Step 9

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add more pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Step 10

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and additional fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2231.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1894.2

Total Fat 72.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 353.2mg	0%
Sodium 1640.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.6g	0%
Total Sugars 35.7g
Protein 165.4g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1282.6mg	0%
Iron 27.1mg	0%
Potassium 4807.4mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 34.4%

Carbs: 31.9%