Spaghetti And Meat Balls
Juicy homemade meatballs flavored with Parmesan, garlic, and onion, baked or cooked in the microwave for quick preparation. Perfect served over spaghetti with rich sauce, this dish offers comforting, savory flavors suitable for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and form small meatballs.
- Place in a microwave-safe pie plate and microwave on High until meatballs are almost fully cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Rearrange meatballs once during cooking.
- Give the dish a 1/2 turn during cooking.
- Repeat the cooking process until all meatballs are cooked.
- Add the cooked meatballs to spaghetti sauce during the last hour of simmering.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meatball mixture. If you're out of Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast or a different hard cheese can work as substitutes. To keep meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. These meatballs can also be used in a variety of Italian recipes beyond just spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, topped with your favorite Savory Spaghetti Sauce, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A side salad with Italian dressing pairs well, providing a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread also complements this meal beautifully, making for a satisfying dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water to keep them moist, and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes depending on quantity. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And Meat Balls contains roughly 269 calories, with 13g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (212% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 bake the meatballs instead of microwaving them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
What can I do if my meatballs are too dry?
If your meatballs turn out dry, consider adding a bit more moisture to the mixture next time, like a splash of milk or some grated vegetables. You can also serve them with more sauce to help enhance the moisture when serving.
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for a day or two before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking, then cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).