Low Fat Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Low Fat Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef recipe. Made with lean ground beef and a rich blend of no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium beef broth, this sauce offers all the comforting flavors you love without the extra fat or sodium. Aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, dried oregano, and basil create a robust depth of flavor, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes—including simmering time—this hearty yet guilt-free sauce pairs beautifully with whole-grain spaghetti or zoodles for a nourishing meal the entire family will enjoy. Perfectly balanced for both health-conscious and flavor-forward pasta nights!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil (optional, for cooking)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, if using. Alternatively, you can skip the oil to keep the sauce lower in fat and cook the beef in its natural juices.

Step 2

Add the lean ground beef to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Serve the low-fat spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1656.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1478.2

Total Fat 74.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 340.2mg	0%
Sodium 1821.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 38.3g
Protein 133.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 323.5mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 4233.0mg	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: 45.5%

Protein: 36.1%

Carbs: 18.4%