Heart-Healthy Macaroni and Beef
Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious classic with our Heart-Healthy Macaroni and Beef recipe, a lighter twist on a family favorite! Featuring wholesome whole wheat macaroni, extra-lean ground beef, and a vibrant medley of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach, this dish is brimming with flavor and nutrients. Simmered in a rich, low-sodium tomato sauce infused with warming spices like cumin and oregano, this meal is as heart-smart as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that serves six and keeps sodium and unhealthy fats in check. Enjoy this guilt-free comfort food that’s satisfying, flavorful, and designed with your heart and health in mind!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat macaroni
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 14.5 oz low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large non-stick skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the bell pepper and carrot, and slice the mushrooms.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add the bell pepper, carrot, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Add the extra-lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth.
Season the mixture with ground cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the baby spinach and cooked macaroni. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Heart-Healthy Macaroni and Beef!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2160 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.1 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 993 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.9 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.9 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.1 g | ||
| Protein | 158.1 g | 316% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 411 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 28.3 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 5055 mg | 108% | |
*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.
