Mediterranean Diet Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavorful Mediterranean Diet Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef! Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and vibrant red bell pepper, this recipe offers a modern twist on a classic marinara sauce. Lean ground beef brings a satisfying richness, while the addition of red wine, dried herbs, and a hint of tomato paste creates a deeply layered taste that’s both robust and balanced. Simmered to perfection, this wholesome sauce is not only Mediterranean diet-friendly but also bursting with umami goodness. Serve it over whole-grain pasta or as a savory topping for crusty bread, and enjoy a dish that’s equally nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for meal preppers or family dinners, this versatile recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the sauce.

Step 6

Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 7

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve with your choice of whole grain pasta or use as a topping for whole grain bread. This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1995.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1814.5

Total Fat 89.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 3855.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.5g	0%
Total Sugars 50.9g
Protein 116.6g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 409.5mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 4806.3mg	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: 49.1%

Protein: 28.3%

Carbs: 22.6%