Low Sodium Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Savor comfort food at its finest with this Low Sodium Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese, a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender low-sodium spaghetti topped with a rich and flavorful meat sauce made from lean ground beef, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and herbs, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious. A sprinkling of low-sodium Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley complete the dish, adding a touch of indulgence while keeping it diet-friendly. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, and is sure to satisfy cravings while supporting a low-sodium lifestyle. Whether you're cooking for family or looking to meal-prep, this spaghetti delivers big flavor without compromising on health.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Low-sodium spaghetti
• 1 lb Ground lean beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 oz No-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste (no salt added)
• 2 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (low-sodium, if available)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 quarts Water (for the pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the spaghetti. Once it boils, cook the low-sodium spaghetti according to the package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 3

Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the ground lean beef to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional black pepper or herbs as needed. Remember to avoid adding salt to keep the recipe low-sodium.

Step 8

To serve, divide the cooked spaghetti into individual bowls or plates. Top each serving with the meat sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle each dish with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5614.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2171.4

Total Fat 102.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 336.9mg	0%
Sodium 753.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 162.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 33.7g
Protein 144.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 940.4mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 3751.2mg	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: 42.9%

Protein: 26.9%

Carbs: 30.2%