Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Elevate your pasta night with this hearty and wholesome Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef. Bursting with robust flavors, this recipe combines lean ground beef, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, and vibrant vegetables like red bell pepper and grated carrot for a nutrient-packed twist on a classic favorite. Simmered in crushed tomatoes and infused with aromatic garlic, onion, dried oregano, and basil, this sauce delivers rich, savory depth without added sugars or preservatives. Perfectly seasoned with a touch of sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this dish pairs beautifully with whole-grain pasta or spaghetti squash for a balanced, diet-friendly meal. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, it's a quick-to-make (just 10 minutes of prep!) and satisfying option that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (no added sugar or low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced red bell pepper, and grated carrot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Mix in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

Step 9

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm over whole-grain pasta or spaghetti squash for a healthy, Mediterranean diet-friendly meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1635.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1704.7

Total Fat 107.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 2815.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 130.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 302.9mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 4007.4mg	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: 54.4%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 16.4%