Mediterranean Diet Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor the wholesome and hearty flavors of Mediterranean Diet Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce, a deliciously balanced dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Featuring tender whole grain macaroni paired with a rich, savory meat sauce made from lean ground beef, red wine, and aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe packs a nutrient-dense punch without sacrificing flavor. Fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, baby spinach, and canned diced tomatoes add vibrant color and texture, while extra virgin olive oil keeps it heart-healthy and Mediterranean diet-friendly. Ready in under an hour, this comforting pasta is ideal for the health-conscious foodie looking for a flavorful spin on a classic dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g whole grain macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 400 g lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400 g canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 125 ml red wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 100 g baby spinach
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Once the beef is browned, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the pepper starts to soften.

Step 6

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, and stir to combine.

Step 7

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Step 9

Add the baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Mix in the cooked macaroni pasta into the meat sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 11

Serve the macaroni pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grate Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1762.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2566.9

Total Fat 91.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 295.9mg	0%
Sodium 4042.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 278.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 151.5g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 956.5mg	0%
Iron 29.8mg	0%
Potassium 2715.3mg	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: 32.3%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 43.8%