Low Sodium Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef

Savor the rich, hearty goodness of this Low Sodium Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef, a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. Bursting with layers of flavor, this recipe features tender browned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onions, all simmered in a robust combination of no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Infused with fragrant herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, this sauce delivers all the comforting warmth you crave—without the extra sodium. Perfect as a topping for pasta, zucchini noodles, or even a base for lasagna, this low-sodium marinara is ready in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Skip the jarred sauce and enjoy this homemade, heart-healthy alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, no salt added
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the beef from the pot and set aside, leaving behind the fat.

Step 4

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Return the browned beef to the pot and stir into the tomato mixture.

Step 8

Add the oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate the spices.

Step 9

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 10

Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 11

Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 12

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that this is a low-sodium recipe.

Step 13

Serve warm over your choice of pasta or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1490.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1571.5

Total Fat 110.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 418.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 39.5g
Protein 91.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 395.6mg	0%
Iron 16.6mg	0%
Potassium 4070.8mg	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: 60.2%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 17.5%