Heart-Healthy Lamb Ragu Sauce

This Heart-Healthy Lamb Ragu Sauce is a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for those seeking bold flavors without compromising on nutrition. Made with lean ground lamb, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and heart-friendly olive oil, this slow-simmered sauce is infused with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley for a fragrant and flavorful finish. Low-sodium crushed tomatoes and broth keep it light, while a splash of red wine deepens the richness of the sauce. Ideal for pairing with whole-grain pasta, quinoa, or steamed vegetables, this dish combines hearty, comforting textures with a health-conscious approach. Ready in under two hours with minimal prep, it’s a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal for any night of the week!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes, low sodium
• 125 milliliters red wine
• 250 milliliters low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground lamb to the pot. Cook until the lamb is browned, about 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 5

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Allow the ragu to simmer for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After an hour, remove the lid and let the ragu simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot over whole grain pasta, quinoa, or a bed of steamed veggies for a heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2353.3 grams (2353.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2002

Total Fat 131.10g	168%
Saturated Fat 44.80g	224%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 400mg	133%
Sodium 2217mg	96%
Total Carbohydrate 88.90g	32%
Dietary Fiber 25.90g	93%
Total Sugars 43.90g
Protein 102.30g	205%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 489mg	38%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 5211mg	111%

*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: 60.7%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 18.3%