If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a flavor-packed, satisfying meal, look no further than homemade spaghetti meat sauce. This classic Italian dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great option for those on a diet. By making a few simple swaps and adjustments, you can create a delicious, diet-friendly spaghetti meat sauce that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.

Traditional spaghetti meat sauce can be high in calories and fat, especially if it’s made with ground beef and served over a hefty portion of pasta. However, by using lean ground turkey or chicken and adding plenty of vegetables, you can create a lighter, healthier version of this beloved dish.

To make a diet-friendly spaghetti meat sauce, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot with a small amount of olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add in your choice of lean ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Next, add in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a variety of herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. You can also add in diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare a pot of whole wheat or alternative grain pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, portion it onto plates and top with a generous spoonful of the homemade meat sauce. You can also opt for zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash as a lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

Here’s a recipe for diet-friendly homemade spaghetti meat sauce:

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 carrot, diced (optional)
– 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
– Whole wheat or alternative grain spaghetti, zoodles, or spaghetti squash

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the ground turkey or chicken to the pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add in the diced carrot and zucchini, if using.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions.

6. Once the pasta is cooked, portion it onto plates and top with a generous spoonful of the homemade meat sauce.

By making simple swaps and additions, you can create a diet-friendly homemade spaghetti meat sauce that’s lower in calories and higher in nutrients. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal without any guilt!