Whole30 Classic Minced Meat Sauce

Transform dinnertime with this hearty and flavorful Whole30 Classic Minced Meat Sauce, a clean and wholesome twist on the beloved Italian-inspired staple. Made with grass-fed ground beef, fresh aromatics like diced onion, garlic, and finely chopped carrot and celery, and simmered in a rich, no-sugar-added tomato base, this recipe is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and bold flavors. Fragrant dried herbs, a hint of balsamic vinegar, and a slow-simmering technique create a deeply satisfying sauce that’s both comforting and compliant with Whole30 guidelines. Perfect for serving over zucchini noodles or any grain-free base, this quick-to-prepare (15-minute prep) yet slow-cooked masterpiece is a versatile, family-friendly favorite that satisfies cravings while keeping your health goals in check.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed)
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the chopped carrot and celery to the pan, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the sauce.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Serve the minced meat sauce over zucchini noodles or your preferred compliant base. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1783.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1619.8

Total Fat 99.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 301.1mg	0%
Sodium 2979.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 97.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 352.1mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 4153.0mg	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: 55.5%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 20.1%