Mediterranean Diet Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce
Savor the robust flavors of the Mediterranean Diet Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce, a wholesome and hearty dish that combines the richness of lean ground beef with the vibrant charm of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Whole wheat fusilli pasta serves as the nutritious base, perfectly complemented by a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, dry red wine, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The addition of baby spinach, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese elevates the dish, creating a delightful balance of earthiness and tangy notes. Ready in under an hour and packed with healthy ingredients, this satisfying recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it hot and let the flavors transport you straight to the Mediterranean! Keywords: Mediterranean pasta recipe, fusilli with meat sauce, healthy Mediterranean dinner, whole wheat pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup, pitted and sliced kalamata olives
- 0.5 cup, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the pan, if necessary.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine, then stir in the tomato paste.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the sauce and mix well.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the baby spinach to the sauce and allow it to wilt.
Stir the sliced kalamata olives into the sauce.
To serve, place a portion of fusilli pasta on each plate and top with the Mediterranean meat sauce.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.7 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 348 mg | 116% | |
| Sodium | 6013 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 332.2 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 62.9 g | 225% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.7 g | ||
| Protein | 161.2 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 941 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 38.4 mg | 213% | |
| Potassium | 4918 mg | 105% | |
*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.
