Heart-Healthy Rich Ground Meat Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this Heart-Healthy Rich Ground Meat Sauce, a comforting yet nutritious blend of lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection. This flavorful sauce combines the subtle sweetness of grated carrots and roasted red bell peppers with aromatic garlic and onion, creating a robust base enhanced by no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for tangy depth. Seasoned with wholesome dried herbs like basil and oregano, plus a hint of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, this sauce is both heart-smart and packed with rich flavor. Ready in just an hour, it's ideal for serving over whole-grain pasta or using as a versatile component in your favorite healthy recipes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or prepping meals in advance, this guilt-free twist on traditional meat sauces is a delicious way to support your wellness goals without sacrificing taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 28 ounces canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large, deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the meat for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar to the pan, stirring well to combine.
Season the mixture with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Serve the sauce over whole-grain pasta or use as desired in other recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.2 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 318 mg | 106% | |
| Sodium | 493 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 88.2 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.0 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.4 g | ||
| Protein | 135.9 g | 272% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 328 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 4535 mg | 96% | |
*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.
