Mediterranean Diet Macaroni with Ground Beef
Elevate your pasta night with this flavorful Mediterranean Diet Macaroni with Ground Beef. Featuring wholesome whole wheat macaroni, lean ground beef, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like red bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Infused with the bold flavors of oregano, basil, and garlic, and topped with tangy crumbled feta and fresh parsley, every bite offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Quick and straightforward to prepare in just 45 minutes, this one-pan family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Packed with protein, fiber, and heart-healthy ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, this recipe delivers comfort food with a healthy twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat macaroni
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat macaroni 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 chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften.
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. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and tomato mixture, stirring well to coat the pasta.
Plate the macaroni mixture and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.5 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.1 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 356 mg | 119% | |
| Sodium | 4150 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 302.2 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.4 g | 169% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.1 g | ||
| Protein | 157.7 g | 315% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 846 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 32.9 mg | 183% | |
| Potassium | 3178 mg | 68% | |
*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.
