Heart-Healthy Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef
Transform your everyday pasta night into a nutrient-packed delight with our Heart-Healthy Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef. Featuring extra-lean ground beef, finely grated carrots, and low-sodium vegetable broth, this recipe is a flavorful way to enjoy comfort food guilt-free. The aromatic blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme pairs beautifully with garlic and onions, creating a robust and savory sauce that’s perfect for layering over whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles. Crafted with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and a touch of olive oil, this dish emphasizes rich flavors while supporting heart health. Ready in just an hour and serving up to six, this wholesome recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 pound extra-lean ground beef (at least 95% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 28 ounces canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it does not burn.
Add the grated carrot and chopped celery, sautéing for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground beef to the center. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it into small bits with a wooden spoon, for about 5 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the vegetable mixture and add the crushed tomatoes.
Season the mixture with dried oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth to the mixture, stirring well.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.
Serve the heart-healthy marinara sauce over whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
773 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.4 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 536 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.9 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.8 g | ||
| Protein | 63.6 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 318 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 3791 mg | 81% | |
*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.
