Paleo Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef
Transform your pasta night with this savory Paleo Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef, a wholesome twist on traditional Italian comfort food. Made with nutrient-rich crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and flavorful herbs like oregano and basil, this hearty sauce is both gluten-free and sugar-free, perfect for a paleo lifestyle. Tender ground beef infuses the marinara with a satisfying richness, while a touch of crushed red pepper adds optional heat for a customizable kick. Ready in under an hour, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a healthy, grain-free meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving up a cozy dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold, classic flavors with a paleo-friendly upgrade.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (without added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Serve hot over your favorite paleo-friendly 'noodles', such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
276 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.2 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 543 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.4 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 51 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 454 mg | 10% | |
*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.
