Spaghetti And Meat Balls From La Casa Cafazza

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

Juicy meatballs simmered in rich spaghetti sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, perfect for a hearty Italian family meal or casual dinner gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • 3 lb ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • crust from 2 pieces Italian bread, toasted and ground up
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp parsley flakes
  • 2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion salt
  • 1/4 tsp sweet basil
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt

Instructions

  1. Mix ground beef, grated cheese, eggs, toasted bread crumbs, oregano, ground cloves, parsley flakes, garlic salt, onion salt, basil, and celery salt until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
  3. Brown the meatballs in a small amount of olive oil until evenly browned.
  4. Simmer the browned meatballs in spaghetti sauce until cooked through and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding grated onion or fresh garlic to the meat mixture. If you don’t have Romano cheese, Parmesan works well as a substitute. To ensure uniform cooking, make sure your meatballs are similar in size. You can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option. This recipe is versatile, similar to Italian recipes that use ground beef creatively.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs over al dente spaghetti for a classic pairing, and top with additional grated cheese and fresh parsley. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements this dish beautifully. For a twist, try them in an Italian Beef(Good For A Crowd, Keeps Good In Crock-Pot) sandwich or along with Italian Green Noodle Casserole for a hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with some spaghetti sauce over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti And Meat Balls From La Casa Cafazza contains roughly 647 calories, with 24g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (345% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 97g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

647 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.8g 48% DV
Total Fat 12.8g 16% DV
Carbs 157.5g 57% DV
Fiber 96.5g 100% DV
Sugar 9.5g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 212.2mg 9% DV
Potassium 2890.4mg 61% DV
Cholesterol 11.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 204.5mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 5.7mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. If using leaner meats, consider adding a little olive oil to maintain moisture.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute the Italian bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the spices, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

What can I add to the sauce for more flavor?

You can enhance your spaghetti sauce by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. A splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add a lovely aroma.

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).

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