Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce
Transform your pasta night into a guilt-free indulgence with this **Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce**—a lighter twist on the beloved Italian favorite. Crafted with a blend of lean ground turkey and beef, this recipe balances rich, meaty flavors with wholesome ingredients like finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. With hints of garlic, dried herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes, each bite is layered with comforting warmth. Slow-simmered in crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth, this sauce develops a thick, velvety texture that's perfect for coating whole-grain pasta. Ready in under two hours, this heart-smart dish offers a nutrient-packed, flavorful alternative free of unnecessary salt or fats. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or enjoying a cozy dinner in, this recipe will leave both your taste buds and heart happy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound Lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 0.5 pound Lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, finely chopped
- 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and beef, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the browned meats from the pan and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pan.
To the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly with the vegetables.
Return the browned meats to the pan. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer for about 80-90 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
If desired, season with salt to taste, though keeping salt minimal will support heart-health objectives.
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve hot over your choice of whole-grain pasta, and garnish with fresh chopped basil.
Enjoy your heart-healthy classic Bolognese meat sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1816 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.0 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 488 mg | 163% | |
| Sodium | 1292 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.2 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.6 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.3 g | ||
| Protein | 164.6 g | 329% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 503 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 5316 mg | 113% | |
*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.
