Looking for a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy pasta night? Daddy Jun's veggie-packed meat sauce is the perfect choice! This recipe combines lean ground beef with a variety of colorful vegetables, making it a hearty and healthy meal for the whole family.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the veggies, and protein from the organic, grass-fed meat, this sauce not only pleases the palate but also supports a balanced diet. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge, reducing food waste while boosting your meal's nutritional value.

This recipe comes from the early days of my blog when our kids were very little, and would often differentiate the different “jobs” my husband Jun had. My kids would ask him as he walked out the door if he was “Workman Jun” (going to work) or “Fireman Jun” (volunteering with the Fire Department), or - their favorite - “Daddy Jun” which just meant that he had time to play with them. And Daddy Jun is also a great cook!

Ingredients

2 cans San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

2 bay leaves

2 cups diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 onion, diced

4-5 cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp salt

Pepper to taste

1 lb. organic free-range lean ground beef (90% sirloin or bison recommended)

Approximately 4-6 cups of any chopped vegetables that need to be eaten (examples include romanesco, baby broccoli, and baby eggplant)

2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 cup frozen peas

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Directions

Sauté Base Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the EVOO over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and crushed garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaves: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce cook down uncovered for about an hour. Stir occasionally.
Cook Meat and Remaining Vegetables: While the sauce is simmering, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add a bit of oil if necessary and cook the ground beef (or bison) until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. In the same pan, sauté the remaining chopped vegetables until tender, about 10 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked meat and sautéed vegetables to the tomato sauce. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and frozen peas. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve the hearty marinara sauce over your favorite pasta or whole grain. Enjoy this nutritious and tasty meal with your family!

Health Benefits of Daddy Jun's Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce

This meat sauce is not just delicious; it's also packed with health benefits:

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium.
High in Fiber: Vegetables and tomatoes add dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
Protein-Packed: Lean ground beef offers high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Low in Saturated Fats: Using lean meat reduces saturated fat intake, which is beneficial for heart health.
Versatile and Balanced: Combining vegetables and meat makes this sauce a well-rounded option for a balanced diet.

Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful sauce that supports your health while satisfying your taste buds!