Low Sodium Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Savor the timeless comfort of Low Sodium Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce—a healthier twist on a family-favorite Italian dish. This recipe combines lean ground beef or turkey, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano to create a rich, flavorful sauce, all while keeping sodium content in check. Served over hearty whole wheat spaghetti, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it comes together in just an hour, with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional) for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Try this low-sodium spaghetti recipe for a wholesome, heart-friendly alternative the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces no-salt-added crushed tomatoes (with juice)
• 6 ounces no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until they are translucent.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 5

Add the bay leaf and stir to combine all ingredients well. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.

Step 7

Remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste, keeping mindful of the low-sodium requirement.

Step 8

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1968.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2444.7

Total Fat 124.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 398.6mg	0%
Sodium 1379.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.4g	0%
Total Sugars 52.3g
Protein 175.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1041.6mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 5401.7mg	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: 44.3%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 28.0%