Mediterranean Diet Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef
Elevate your pasta night with this flavorful Mediterranean Diet Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef—a hearty, nutrient-packed twist on the classic! Made with lean ground beef, a medley of finely chopped vegetables, and the rich tang of crushed tomatoes, this sauce offers a robust and wholesome flavor profile. Slow-simmered with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, and enriched with a splash of red wine, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy balanced Mediterranean-inspired meals. Whether tossed with whole grain pasta, spooned over zucchini noodles, or served alongside crusty bread, this marinara sauce makes a versatile and satisfying addition to your dinner repertoire. Ready in just an hour and brimming with fresh parsley and vibrant veggies, it's a healthy, family-friendly recipe worth savoring!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
Season with dried oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve with your choice of whole grain pasta or use as a topping for whole grain bread. This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of Mediterranean dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1814 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.9 g | 115% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.3 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 3855 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.1 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.9 g | ||
| Protein | 116.6 g | 233% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 410 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 4806 mg | 102% | |
*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.
