Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Ground Beef
Savor a wholesome twist on classic comfort food with this **Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Ground Beef** recipe—a delightful blend of lean protein, nutrient-packed veggies, and flavorful seasonings. Featuring whole-grain macaroni and 90% lean ground beef, this dish puts a nutritious spin on traditional pasta. The rich, savory sauce made with diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and Italian seasoning pairs perfectly with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and fresh spinach for a vibrant and satisfying meal. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this heart-smart dinner is ideal for busy weeknights. Garnish with optional grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor, and enjoy a guilt-free bowl of comfort that’s both healthy and delicious! Keywords: heart-healthy macaroni, lean ground beef pasta, whole-grain macaroni recipe, quick healthy dinner, low-sodium pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole-grain macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish heart-healthy.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and tomato paste into the skillet. Mix in the Italian seasoning and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the cooked macaroni and chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is well combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Serve the macaroni immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.2 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 388 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 1563 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.9 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.4 g | 126% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.7 g | ||
| Protein | 171.8 g | 344% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1092 mg | 84% | |
| Iron | 30.6 mg | 170% | |
| Potassium | 4694 mg | 100% | |
*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.
