Heart-Healthy Hearty Beef Pasta
Satisfy your cravings in a wholesome way with this Heart-Healthy Hearty Beef Pasta recipe—a comforting yet nutritious dish that’s perfect for a balanced weeknight meal. Featuring tender whole-grain pasta, protein-packed extra-lean ground beef, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and spinach, this recipe combines flavor and health in every bite. A rich, savory sauce made with no-salt-added diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and fragrant herbs like oregano and basil ties it all together, while a sprinkle of optional parmesan adds a touch of indulgence. Ready in under an hour and packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein, this easy one-pan meal is ideal for health-conscious families. Whether you're prioritizing heart health or simply looking for a delicious, nutrient-dense dinner, this dish is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole-grain pasta
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (no added salt)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase heat to medium-high and add extra-lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the canned diced tomatoes and low-sodium beef broth to the skillet. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1942 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.9 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.5 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 388 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 1559 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.9 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.8 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.6 g | ||
| Protein | 167.2 g | 334% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1109 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 24.6 mg | 137% | |
| Potassium | 4286 mg | 91% | |
*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.
