Low Fat Classic Italian Ragu Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Low Fat Classic Italian Ragu Sauce that’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a lighter take on this beloved Italian staple. Crafted with lean ground beef and just a touch of olive oil, this recipe delivers all the rich, slow-simmered goodness you’d expect, but with an emphasis on keeping it health-conscious. A medley of finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery creates a flavorful base, while garlic, red wine, and herbs like oregano and basil infuse the sauce with depth and aroma. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and low-sodium beef broth, this sauce is beautifully thickened and brimming with bold, classic Italian flavors. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta or as a filling for lasagna, this low-fat ragu is an irresistible addition to any meal, offering a lighter option without compromising on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 medium, finely chopped carrot
• 1 finely chopped celery stalk
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 ml low-sodium beef broth
• 125 ml red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, mixing well with the beef and vegetables.

Step 5

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and developed a rich flavor.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 10

Serve over your choice of pasta, or use as desired in other dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1995.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1346.1

Total Fat 52.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 309.8mg	0%
Sodium 2765.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.4g	0%
Total Sugars 48.0g
Protein 120.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 347.7mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 3875.4mg	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: 37.0%

Protein: 37.4%

Carbs: 25.6%