Spaghetti And Meat Balls(For Crock-Pot)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Cuisine: Italian

A hearty crock-pot spaghetti and meatballs dish featuring rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and tender meatballs, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can tomato juice (large)
  • 1 can whole tomatoes
  • 3 small cans tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. fennel seed

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in the crock-pot.
  2. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours.
  3. Stir often during cooking.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider incorporating leftover veggies like bell peppers or zucchini into the sauce. If you're short on tomato juice, low-sodium vegetable broth can work as a substitute. For those who prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a dash of red pepper flakes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance flavor development.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti and meatballs dish with a side of garlic bread for a classic Italian experience. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar complements the meal beautifully. For a twist, try pairing it with Pasta And Broccoli And Olive Oil for a nutritious side that balances the richness of the sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti And Meat Balls(For Crock-Pot) contains roughly 214 calories, with 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1691mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

214 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.8g 20% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 40.3g 15% DV
Fiber 17.1g 61% DV
Sugar 15.9g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1690.7mg 74% DV
Potassium 1744.8mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 201.3mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 59mg 66% DV
Calcium 387.8mg 30% DV
Iron 9.1mg 50% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be added directly to the crock-pot without thawing. Just ensure they are fully cooked before serving, as cooking times may vary slightly.

What type of pasta should I use?

Spaghetti is traditional, but feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy. Just be sure to cook it separately and combine it with the sauce before serving to ensure perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute meatballs with your favorite plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying while adhering to vegan recipes.

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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