Whole30 Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the hearty and wholesome flavors of this Whole30 Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, a comforting yet health-conscious twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for zucchini or sweet potato noodles, making it grain-free and perfectly suited for your Whole30 journey. The savory meat sauce is made with grass-fed ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a medley of finely chopped veggies, all simmered in a rich tomato base infused with balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, and a touch of natural sweetness from the vegetables. Ready in just about an hour, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a satisfying family dinner. Top it with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy a nourishing, guilt-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for those seeking Whole30 dinner ideas or healthy pasta alternatives!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, finely diced
• 1 Celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 pound Ground beef, preferably grass-fed
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (Whole30 compliant)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 6 cups Zucchini or sweet potato noodles
• 0 optional Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.

Step 6

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 7

Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors develop.

Step 8

While the sauce is simmering, prepare your zucchini or sweet potato noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler if needed.

Step 9

In a separate pan, quickly sauté the noodles over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until softened.

Step 10

Serve the meat sauce over the prepared noodles. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Step 11

Enjoy your Whole30 Rigatoni with Meat Sauce warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2807.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1771.7

Total Fat 114.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 281.0mg	0%
Sodium 2969.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 63.6g
Protein 102.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 447.5mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 6575.6mg	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: 55.2%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 22.8%