Low Sodium Macaroni with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of this Low Sodium Macaroni with Meat Sauce, a heart-healthy twist on a classic family favorite. This recipe features tender macaroni pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with lean ground beef, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic seasonings like garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh basil. By swapping traditional ingredients for low-sodium alternatives and unsalted beef broth, this dish delivers all the taste of a traditional meat sauce without the excess salt—perfect for those watching their sodium intake. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying, wholesome meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces macaroni pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cup unsalted beef broth
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the onions and continue to sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess fat from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the unsalted beef broth and add half of the chopped basil. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the macaroni topped with the remaining fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1988.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2630.1

Total Fat 70.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 328.5mg	0%
Sodium 1333.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 326.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 49.0g
Protein 176.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1100.3mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 3378.9mg	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: 23.9%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 49.4%