Italian Spaghetti And Meatballs With Sauce
A hearty Italian classic featuring tender meatballs in rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bold flavors and comforting dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the hamburger, hot sausage, chopped and sautéed onion, eggs in oil, bread crumbs, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in salad oil until well cooked and browned on all sides.
- Use the same oil that was used to brown the onions for additional flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meatball, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or using fresh herbs instead of dried. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also replace the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or oatmeal for a different texture. Serve with a homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe(From Nerone, Italy) for an authentic taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti with marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. These meatballs are also excellent in a sub sandwich or as an appetizer with toothpicks. For a different take, try them in the Favorite Lazy Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Spaghetti And Meatballs With Sauce contains roughly 401 calories, with 14g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (187% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for hot sausage?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage or even ground turkey or chicken. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hamburger for a little heat without using sausage.
How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?
To keep the meatballs moist, avoid over-mixing the ingredients and be careful not to overcook them. Adding a bit of milk or grated cheese to the mixture can also help retain moisture during cooking.
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).