Scott'S Favorite Spaghetti And Meatballs
Scott's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs features tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served over spaghetti with Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion and minced garlic in oil until tender.
- Do not brown the onion and garlic.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, then remove the bay leaf.
- Add the Italian meatballs to the sauce.
- Cover loosely and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the sauce and meatballs over hot cooked spaghetti with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a mix of olive oil and butter. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for the Italian meatballs. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a burst of flavor. If time is tight, you can use store-bought meatballs or a jarred sauce instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a vegetarian option, try serving it with Pasta With Broccoli In Sweet Tomato Sauce for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce and meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scott'S Favorite Spaghetti And Meatballs contains roughly 360 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (234% of the Daily Value), iron (170% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 739mg per serving (32% 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 from scratch?
Absolutely! You can mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to create your own meatballs. Form them into balls and brown them in a pan before adding them to the sauce for a homemade touch.
What type of pasta is best to use?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, feel free to use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives if you’re looking for healthier options.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute Italian meatballs with lentil or vegetable-based meatballs. You can also try adding sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.
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).