Low Sodium Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Low Sodium Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce, a heart-healthy take on an Italian favorite. Made with extra-lean ground beef, finely chopped vegetables, and no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, slow-simmered masterpiece. Infused with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, this sauce achieves depth without relying on extra sodium. A splash of red wine (optional) enhances its robust flavor, while a touch of milk added at the end creates a silky, creamy texture. Perfectly suited for pairing with pasta or zucchini noodles, this low-sodium Bolognese is an ideal choice for those watching their salt intake without sacrificing taste. Ready in just over two hours, it’s a labor of love worth every minute.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Pour in the optional red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the milk. Simmer for another 10 minutes uncovered.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind the low sodium restriction.

Step 10

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2121.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1528.9

Total Fat 70.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 351.2mg	0%
Sodium 774.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 128.2g	0%

Vitamin D 85.4IU	0%
Calcium 628.2mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 5055.5mg	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: 43.6%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 21.0%