Mediterranean Diet Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Savor the robust flavors of the Mediterranean with this wholesome Mediterranean Diet Rigatoni with Meat Sauce. Made with hearty whole grain pasta, lean ground beef or turkey, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like zucchini and red bell pepper, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious. A rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic garlic, oregano, and thyme, simmers to perfection, creating a comforting dish that highlights Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this rigatoni dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Ready in just over an hour and packed with heart-healthy ingredients, it's a flavorful way to enjoy a balanced Mediterranean diet!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole grain rigatoni
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced zucchini
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup, grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.

Step 3

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 8

Toss the cooked rigatoni gently into the meat sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2148.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3176.9

Total Fat 131.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 407.3mg	0%
Sodium 5926.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.7g	0%
Total Sugars 66.4g
Protein 195.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 927.5mg	0%
Iron 34.1mg	0%
Potassium 6222.2mg	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: 35.9%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 40.3%