Low Fat Macaroni with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of this Low Fat Macaroni with Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines tender whole wheat macaroni with a rich, hearty meat sauce made from lean ground beef, colorful vegetables like carrots and celery, and a blend of aromatic spices. Using low-sodium crushed tomatoes and beef broth ensures a health-conscious yet deeply flavorful base, while fresh parsley provides a vibrant finish. Ready in just 50 minutes, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a guilt-free option that doesn't compromise on taste. Whether you're seeking a nutritious dinner idea or a meal prep staple, this low-fat macaroni hits all the right notes!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole wheat macaroni
• 12 ounces Lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 1 stalk Celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 14 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

Serve the meat sauce over the cooked macaroni. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 9

Enjoy your wholesome and low-fat macaroni with meat sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1374.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1756.3

Total Fat 48.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 255.1mg	0%
Sodium 1684.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.9g	0%
Total Sugars 34.3g
Protein 120.4g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 322.9mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 3805.7mg	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: 24.5%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 48.7%