Low Sodium Pasta with Beef Ragu

Savor the hearty comfort of this Low Sodium Pasta with Beef Ragu, a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with lean ground beef, nutrient-packed whole wheat pasta, and a rich medley of aromatic vegetables, this dish offers a bold and satisfying flavor without the excess sodium. The slow-simmered ragu, featuring low sodium crushed tomatoes and a hint of dried oregano, is perfectly balanced with a dash of fresh basil and a sprinkle of low sodium parmesan cheese. Ideal for those looking to enjoy a heart-healthy meal without compromising on taste, this recipe is easy to prepare and ready in just over an hour. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner, and let the fragrant flavors steal the show! Perfect keywords: low sodium pasta, beef ragu, healthy Italian recipes, heart-healthy dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
• 1 Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) Low sodium crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste, no salt added
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Grated parmesan cheese, low sodium

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, black pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet slightly, and let the ragu simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the ragu is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

Step 8

If the ragu becomes too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 9

Before serving, stir in half of the fresh basil into the ragu.

Step 10

Serve the beef ragu over the cooked pasta, garnished with the remaining fresh basil and sprinkle with low sodium parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1330.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2009.2

Total Fat 96.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 352.5mg	0%
Sodium 1166.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 17.3g
Protein 160.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1550.8mg	0%
Iron 20.2mg	0%
Potassium 1714.9mg	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: 43.0%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 25.2%