Low Sodium Beef Rigatoni

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Low Sodium Beef Rigatoni, a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich, tomato-based meat sauce made from lean ground beef, fragrant garlic, and no-salt-added crushed tomatoes. Enhanced with aromatic dried oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers bold, savory flavors without the extra sodium. Perfectly finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan for added depth, it’s a satisfying, better-for-you meal the whole family will love. Ready in under an hour and serving six, this wholesome pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Remember, it's low sodium, so use care in adding any extra salt.

Step 8

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the beef and tomato sauce.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with optional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1842.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2321.2

Total Fat 107.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 389.5mg	0%
Sodium 1360.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.3g	0%
Total Sugars 42.2g
Protein 167.9g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 997.1mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 4282.5mg	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: 41.3%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 30.0%