Italian Meatballs With Spaghetti
Italian Meatballs With Spaghetti offers a hearty, flavorful experience with tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this classic dish combines comforting pasta with savory meatballs for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 box fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 1/2 c. tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground round steak
- 1/4 ground pork ⓘ
- 1 c. cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) pkg. long thin spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions in hot olive oil until golden brown.
- Add mushrooms and brown slightly.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves to the pan.
- Cook the sauce slowly for 1 hour.
- Combine ground round steak, ground pork, cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, milk, and beaten eggs; form into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a small amount of hot olive oil.
- Drain the meatballs on paper towels.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider sautéing some minced garlic along with the onions. If you don't have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or panko can be used as a substitute. For a lighter option, swap ground pork with turkey or chicken. Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce can enhance the depth of flavor, similar to what's found in many Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs and sauce generously over the spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color. A side salad and garlic bread would complement this dish beautifully, making it a hearty meal. For a twist, try pairing it with a slice of Lasagne Pie for a complete Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meatballs With Spaghetti contains roughly 667 calories, with 24g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1319mg per serving (57% 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. Place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they will last for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of ground round steak?
You can substitute ground round steak with ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of ground meats like beef and pork for different flavor profiles. Each will bring its own unique taste to the dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
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).