Homemade Spaghetti And Meat Balls
Homemade spaghetti and meatballs features tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and full of savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, add pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, 2 teaspoons sugar, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to almost boiling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, salt, eggs, 2 teaspoons sugar, and moistened bread crumbs.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls and add them to the heated sauce mixture.
- Cook over low/medium heat until the sauce is hot and bubbly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 2 hours.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or cooked rice can work as substitutes. Using lean ground turkey instead of beef is a great alternative for a lighter dish. For a quicker meal, try using store-bought meatballs or the Easiest Every Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade spaghetti and meatballs over al dente spaghetti noodles for a classic presentation. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad pairs well to balance the meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances flavor, making it a delightful dish. This recipe goes wonderfully with Italian recipes like Lasagna Deluxe for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Spaghetti And Meat Balls contains roughly 528 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2177mg per serving (95% 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. Just let them cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Another option is to add a small amount of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes, which will enhance the flavor while thickening the sauce.
What other types of meat can I use for the meatballs?
You can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey as alternatives to beef in your meatballs. Each type of meat brings a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment. For a twist, consider mixing meats, like beef and pork, to create a richer taste. Just adjust the seasoning as needed!
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).