Low Sodium Macaroni with Ground Beef

Savor the comforting flavors of Low Sodium Macaroni with Ground Beef, a wholesome and heart-healthy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with lean ground beef, sautéed onion, and bell pepper, all simmered in a savory sauce of no-salt-added tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Fresh basil and parsley brighten the dish, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this dish delivers big, hearty flavors without the extra sodium. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nourishing, family-friendly meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect for those following a low-sodium diet, this recipe is both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (no added salt)
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (no added salt)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables become soft.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine it with the beef and vegetables.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomatoes along with the water, mixing everything well. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the chopped basil, parsley, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly.

Step 8

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Add the cooked macaroni to the beef mixture, stirring well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.

Step 10

Let the macaroni and beef mixture cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to heat through.

Step 11

Serve the low sodium macaroni with ground beef hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1648.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1919.1

Total Fat 52.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 281.1mg	0%
Sodium 370.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 222.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 134.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 174.3mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 1607.7mg	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: 24.7%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 46.9%