Italian Meatball Spaghetti
Hearty Italian meatball spaghetti with a savory tomato‑mushroom sauce, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables—comforting for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 3 chopped celery stalks
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 envelopes Italian style spaghetti sauce mix with mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper in olive oil until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried oregano and basil work well too; just reduce the amount by half. For a heartier dish, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or turkey into the sauce. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Meatball Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Summer Spaghetti or can be enjoyed as a comforting dinner on a chilly evening. Don't forget to include some crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meatball Spaghetti contains roughly 609 calories, with 20g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs a day in advance. Just let them cool, store in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving. This also allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more delicious.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover spaghetti can be repurposed into a Cold Spaghetti Salad by tossing it with some fresh veggies and Italian dressing. Alternatively, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for a quick meal later.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply skip those additions and stick with the herbs for a deliciously savory taste.
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).