Mediterranean Diet Fettuccine with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Fettuccine with Meat Sauce. This recipe effortlessly combines tender fettuccine pasta with a hearty, nutrient-packed meat sauce loaded with lean ground beef, sweet red bell peppers, and zucchini. Simmered with crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of classic Mediterranean spices like oregano and basil, this dish delivers rich, comforting flavors while staying true to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and nutty Parmesan cheese, this one-pot wonder is perfect for a family dinner or an elevated weeknight meal. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this Mediterranean-inspired fettuccine is as nourishing as it is delicious! Keywords: Mediterranean diet, fettuccine pasta, meat sauce recipe, heart-healthy dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine, cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 10

Toss the cooked fettuccine with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.

Step 11

Serve the fettuccine garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Fettuccine with Meat Sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2186.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2799.7

Total Fat 94.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 2616.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.2g	0%
Total Sugars 64.5g
Protein 169.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 785.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 4102.3mg	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: 29.6%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 46.7%