Elevate your weeknight dinner with this wholesome and flavorful Low Fat Macaroni with Meat Sauce recipe. Featuring hearty whole wheat macaroni topped with a rich, savory sauce made from lean ground beef, finely chopped vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this dish delivers comfort without the guilt. The secret lies in the balance of nutrient-packed ingredients like grated carrot, celery, and low-sodium crushed tomatoes, simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic and onion. Easy to prepare in under an hour and packed with protein and fiber, this recipe is ideal for health-conscious families seeking a delicious alternative to classic pasta dishes. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Perfect for busy nights, this low-fat recipe ensures a satisfying meal that keeps flavor in focus while cutting down on unnecessary fats and calories.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the meat sauce over the cooked macaroni. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your wholesome and low-fat macaroni with meat sauce!
Calories |
1756 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.9 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 255 mg | 85% | |
| Sodium | 1684 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 218.4 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.9 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.3 g | ||
| Protein | 120.4 g | 241% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 323 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 3806 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.