Pasta meat sauce

Dinner

Item Rating: 71/100

1 serving (250 grams) contains 350 calories, 15.0 grams of protein, 10.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.8g)

Calories		330.2
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		9.4 g	12%
	Saturated Fat	3.3 g	16%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		28.3 mg	9%
Sodium		566.0 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrates		42.5 g	15%
	Dietary Fiber	2.8 g	10%
	Sugars	5.7 g
protein		14.2 g	28%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		47.2 mg	3%
Iron		2.4 mg	13%
Potassium		377.4 mg	8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍯 Low sugar

⚠️ Contains trans fat

Source of Calories

Fat: 84 cal (27.2%)

Protein: 56 cal (18.2%)

Carbs: 170 cal (54.6%)

About Pasta meat sauce

Pasta meat sauce is a hearty and versatile dish that combines ground meat, such as beef or turkey, with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Originating in Italian cuisine, it is often served over pasta like spaghetti or penne. Nutritionally, a serving can provide protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and important vitamins such as Vitamin C from tomatoes, along with iron and zinc from the ground meat. While the fat content can vary depending on the meat used, leaner choices like ground turkey reduce saturated fat, making this dish adaptable to various dietary needs.

Health Benefits

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, with approximately 20-25g per serving depending on the meat used.
• Contains iron, which supports oxygen transport in the blood, with beef providing up to 15% of the daily value per serving.
• Tomatoes in the sauce offer Vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which promote immune health and skin protection.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains gluten (from pasta), wheat (if pasta is wheat-based), soy (if soy is used as a filler in processed meat)

Suitable for: High-protein diets, balanced diets, mediterranean diets (with whole-grain pasta and lean meat)

Not suitable for: Vegetarian diets, vegan diets, gluten-free diets unless gluten-free pasta is used

Selection and Storage

Store meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain food safety.

Common Questions About Pasta meat sauce Nutrition

What is the nutritional content of pasta meat sauce?

Pasta meat sauce typically contains around 200-300 calories per serving (1 cup), depending on the recipe. It offers roughly 12-15g of protein due to the meat, and is also a source of vitamins B6 and B12 from beef or pork. However, it may also be high in fat and sodium.

Is pasta meat sauce compatible with a keto or low-carb diet?

Traditional pasta meat sauce is not ideal for a keto or low-carb diet because pasta itself is high in carbohydrates. To make it keto-friendly, you can swap regular pasta for low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. The meat sauce itself can fit keto macros if it is low in sugar.

What are the health benefits and concerns of eating pasta meat sauce?

Pasta meat sauce provides essential protein, iron, and B vitamins from the meat, which help support muscle health and energy. However, concerns include high sodium content (often exceeding 600mg per serving) and saturated fat if the meat is fatty. Moderation and lean meat options can reduce these concerns.

What is a recommended portion size for pasta meat sauce?

A healthy portion size is typically about 1 cup of pasta meat sauce paired with 2 ounces (dry) of pasta, which results in approximately 450-500 calories depending on preparation. Adjust portions based on your calorie needs or dietary goals.

How does pasta meat sauce compare to marinara sauce in terms of nutrition?

Pasta meat sauce is higher in protein (12-15g per serving) due to the meat, while marinara sauce usually contains less than 2g of protein. Meat sauce is also typically higher in calories and fat, whereas marinara sauce is lower in calories (about 70-100 per serving) and is suitable for vegetarian diets by default.

Data Sources & Scientific References