Heart-Healthy Beef Rigatoni
Indulge in the comforting flavors of *Heart-Healthy Beef Rigatoni*, a wholesome twist on a classic pasta favorite. This nutritious recipe features tender whole-grain rigatoni paired with lean ground beef, ensuring a satisfying yet low-fat protein boost. A medley of vibrant vegetables—sweet red bell pepper, earthy carrots, and nutrient-rich spinach—adds layers of flavor and color while packing in essential vitamins. The hearty sauce, made with no-salt-added diced tomatoes and fragrant Italian seasoning, comes together in just minutes and is lightly spiced with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped basil, this dish is a delicious, heart-smart option for busy weeknights or family dinners. Ready in under 45 minutes and packed with heart-healthy ingredients, it’s a delicious way to nurture your body without compromising on taste!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole-grain rigatoni
- 1 pound Lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cups Baby spinach leaves
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) No-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-grain rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and chopped carrot to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the baby spinach, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the no-salt-added diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until well combined and heated through.
8. Serve the rigatoni hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
9. Enjoy your heart-healthy beef rigatoni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2906 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.7 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.9 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 426 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 3771 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 308.2 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.2 g | 129% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.6 g | ||
| Protein | 206.3 g | 413% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1824 mg | 140% | |
| Iron | 27.7 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 4115 mg | 88% | |
*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.
