Italian Spaghetti And Meat Balls(This Recipe Came From An Italian Chef)
A hearty Italian spaghetti and meatballs dish featuring a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped celery and garlic in a little shortening in a skillet for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Add the sieved tomatoes, tomato paste, soda, sugar, nutmeg, thyme, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and cook the mixture for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine to the mixture while it simmers. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. To enhance flavor, try incorporating a bay leaf during cooking. For a vegetarian version, replace the meatballs with roasted vegetables and browse more vegetarian recipes for additional inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider a side salad or Italian Vegetable Supreme for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti and meatballs 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 broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Spaghetti And Meat Balls(This Recipe Came From An Italian Chef) contains roughly 194 calories, with 9g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
What should I serve with spaghetti and meatballs?
A great side for spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Caesar salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with a light Italian vegetable dish, which complements the richness of the meatballs without overwhelming the meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the spaghetti and meatballs cool completely. Place in freezer-safe containers, separating the pasta and sauce if desired. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).