Heart-Healthy Beef Ragu

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of our Heart-Healthy Beef Ragu, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian dish. Crafted with extra-lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables like carrots and celery, and robust low-sodium beef broth, this recipe delivers all the depth of a traditional ragu while keeping things light and nutritious. Simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs including oregano and basil, this ragu boasts a delicate balance of sweetness and spice, enhanced by a gentle kick of red pepper flakes. Serve it over hearty whole wheat pasta for a fiber-rich meal that nourishes both body and soul. Ready in just under two hours, this one-pot wonder is perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. Whether you're focused on heart health or simply seeking a delicious, guilt-free indulgence, this beef ragu will become a staple in your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Extra-lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Carrots, diced
• 2 stalks Celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup Low-sodium beef broth
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the extra-lean ground beef, and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, making sure to combine everything well.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the ragu to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 7

While the ragu is cooking, prepare the optional whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf from the ragu, adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.

Step 9

Serve the beef ragu over the cooked whole wheat pasta if using, and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2230.3 grams (2230.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1836

Total Fat 70.70g	91%
Saturated Fat 18.90g	95%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 340mg	113%
Sodium 2853mg	124%
Total Carbohydrate 176.50g	64%
Dietary Fiber 38.40g	137%
Total Sugars 52.60g
Protein 145.30g	291%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 493mg	38%
Iron 26mg	143%
Potassium 5726mg	122%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.1%

Protein: 30.2%

Carbs: 36.7%