Low Sodium Savory Pasta with Ground Meat

Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with this Low Sodium Savory Pasta with Ground Meat, a perfect balance of rich taste and mindful eating. Featuring tender whole wheat pasta tossed in a robust, herb-infused tomato sauce, this recipe combines lean ground meat, sweet red bell pepper, and finely grated carrot for a nutrient-packed dish that doesn't compromise on flavor. Thanks to the use of crushed tomatoes with no salt added, it's ideal for those minimizing sodium without skimping on a satisfying, savory bite. Simple, wholesome ingredients like garlic, basil, oregano, and optional red chili flakes create a beautifully aromatic base, while fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add the final touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a delicious weeknight dinner that's light on sodium but big on taste. Perfect for family meals or meal prep, it's a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a healthier pasta night!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 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 sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 8

Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, keeping in mind the low sodium requirement.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the meat sauce.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1973.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2380.1

Total Fat 125.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 410.5mg	0%
Sodium 1373.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 44.6g
Protein 172.6g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 1029.7mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 4696.1mg	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: 45.5%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 26.7%