Dad'S Italian Meatballs And Spaghetti
A hearty Italian meatball and spaghetti dish featuring savory beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, pour in all the peeled tomatoes with basil and tomato paste.
- Add one large can of water to the pot.
- Set the heat to simmer and let the sauce cook.
- Slice the mushrooms and add them to the sauce.
- Chop the garlic and add half of it to the sauce, reserving the other half for the meatballs.
- Add a pinch each of crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped sirloin, bread crumbs, egg, remaining garlic, and seasonings to form meatballs.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and cook them in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Add cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce and let everything meld for additional 15-20 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture. If you don't have sirloin, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Ensure your meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking, and if you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the crushed red pepper to taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Mcgee'S Lasagna for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs and sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti, or you can use zoodles for a lighter option. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian experience. For more ideas, explore other Italian recipes that complement this meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Italian Meatballs And Spaghetti contains roughly 544 calories, with 18g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), and calcium (148% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 707mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce together or separately. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, though the flavor and thickness may vary slightly. Alternatively, reduce fresh tomatoes down to a paste-like consistency by cooking them longer.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and are no longer pink in the center. You can also cut one open to check for doneness. Cooking them in the sauce for a while helps ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).