Mediterranean Diet Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce
Discover the wholesome and flavorful charm of Mediterranean Diet Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce—a hearty yet health-conscious dish that brings a Mediterranean twist to classic comfort food. Featuring tender whole grain macaroni paired with a deeply aromatic meat sauce made from lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of Mediterranean spices, this recipe is elevated with subtle hints of red wine and cinnamon. Stirring in vibrant baby spinach offers a nutrient-rich kick, while fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese provide the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, this family-friendly pasta is a delicious way to enjoy balanced eating without compromising on taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a flavorful celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that’s sure to please every palate.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g whole grain macaroni pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 400 g lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 125 ml red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 100 g baby spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the pepper starts to soften.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, and stir to combine.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the cooked macaroni pasta into the meat sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Serve the macaroni pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grate Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2567 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.3 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.0 g | 150% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 296 mg | 99% | |
| Sodium | 4042 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 278.4 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.2 g | 129% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.9 g | ||
| Protein | 151.5 g | 303% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 956 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 29.8 mg | 166% | |
| Potassium | 2715 mg | 58% | |
*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.
