Low Carb Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with this Low Carb Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, a satisfying twist on a classic Italian favorite perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Featuring tender low-carb pasta alternatives like konjac or spiralized zucchini, this dish is paired with a rich and savory meat sauce made from ground beef, aromatic garlic, and no-sugar-added crushed tomatoes. Simmered to perfection with Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this recipe is a wholesome blend of bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a quick, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent without the carbs. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Low-carb rigatoni pasta (e.g., made from konjac or zucchini)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces Crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your low-carb rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. If using a vegetable-based alternative like zucchini, spiralize and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary, then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

While the sauce simmers, if you’re using zucchini, quickly sauté them in a separate skillet for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until slightly tender. If using konjac-based pasta, simply drain and rinse.

Step 8

Add the fresh basil to the sauce just before serving for a burst of flavor.

Step 9

Serve the meat sauce over the prepared low-carb rigatoni. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 10

Enjoy your low-carb rigatoni with meat sauce as a hearty and satisfying meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1444.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1976.9

Total Fat 131.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 416.4mg	0%
Sodium 4544.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 52.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 20.3g
Protein 138.8g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 1611.0mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2587.8mg	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: 60.7%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 10.7%