Low Sodium Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Delight in the comfort of hearty Italian flavors with this Low Sodium Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese. This wholesome dish combines tender whole wheat pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from extra-lean ground beef, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and onion. Infused with classic seasonings like oregano and basil, the sauce simmers to perfection before being tossed with pasta and topped with a layer of melty, reduced-fat mozzarella cheese. Finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a satisfying, reduced-sodium alternative to traditional pasta bakes. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a flavorful, heart-healthy twist on a beloved family favorite that’s ready in just an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces no salt added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons no salt added tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.

Step 5

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium and add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly.

Step 8

Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

In an oven-safe baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is well coated.

Step 11

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 14

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Step 15

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious low sodium pasta with meat sauce and cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1865.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1872.0

Total Fat 72.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 400.2mg	0%
Sodium 1159.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 152.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.7g	0%
Total Sugars 39.5g
Protein 165.4g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 1094.1mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 4123.5mg	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: 33.9%

Protein: 34.4%

Carbs: 31.7%