Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Delight in the robust flavors of our Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef, a heart-healthy twist on a classic favorite! This hearty and wholesome sauce combines lean ground beef, nutrient-rich vegetables like red bell peppers and carrots, and aromatic herbs such as oregano and basil. Simmered to perfection in a base of no-sugar-added crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, this low-sodium recipe is packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Finished with a fresh sprinkle of parsley, it's perfect served over whole-grain pasta or spaghetti squash for a balanced and flavorful meal. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make spaghetti sauce is an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep, and it's sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound Lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (no added sugar or low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium Carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced red bell pepper, and grated carrot. Stir to combine.
Mix in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm over whole-grain pasta or spaghetti squash for a healthy, Mediterranean diet-friendly meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1705 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.8 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.9 g | 180% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 2816 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.3 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 130.2 g | 260% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 303 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 19.4 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 4007 mg | 85% | |
*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.
