Mediterranean Diet Pasta with Beef Ragu

Indulge in the hearty and wholesome flavors of Mediterranean Diet Pasta with Beef Ragu, a comforting dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. This recipe combines al dente whole grain pasta with a rich, slow-simmered ragu made from lean ground beef, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and Mediterranean-inspired herbs like oregano and basil. A splash of red wine and beef broth deepens the flavor, while a generous garnish of fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese ties it all together. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish offers a healthy twist with its focus on whole grains and balanced ingredients, embodying the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Whether you're looking for a heart-healthy meal or a crowd-pleaser for family night, this beef ragu pasta delivers a satisfying, flavor-packed experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate using a slotted spoon.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 7 minutes.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Step 8

While the ragu cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole grain pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf from the ragu. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve the beef ragu over the whole grain pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2589.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2140.3

Total Fat 93.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 4780.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 183.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.1g	0%
Total Sugars 53.6g
Protein 146.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1055.4mg	0%
Iron 30.2mg	0%
Potassium 5264.8mg	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: 38.9%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 33.9%