Mom's Best Healthy Meat Sauce

Hearty, healthy, and brimming with rich flavor, Mom's Best Healthy Meat Sauce is a lighter twist on a classic comfort food. This versatile sauce is made with lean ground beef or turkey, a medley of finely chopped vegetables, and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and a touch of broth. The addition of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, while hints of garlic and optional red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of zest. Ready in just 45 minutes, this wholesome meat sauce is perfect for pairing with pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a nutritious, family-friendly meal. Simple yet soulful, this recipe proves that eating healthy can still taste indulgent and satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 can canned crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.

Step 9

Serve warm over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1814.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1676.2

Total Fat 105.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 4396.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.8g
Protein 131.0g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 377.2mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 4277.4mg	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: 54.5%

Protein: 30.0%

Carbs: 15.5%