Spaghetti Sauce And Meatballs
A hearty spaghetti sauce with flavorful meatballs, rich tomato base, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings with authentic Italian taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste (20 oz.)
- 12 cans water ⓘ
- 1 can Del Monte Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium to large onion, chopped ⓘ
- garlic, chopped
- 1/8 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/8 tsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 sprinkle thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- crushed red peppers to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, water, canned tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red peppers to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens to a medium consistency.
- Add raw meatballs to the sauce and continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce reaches desired thickness, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Serve the sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce. If you're out of tomato paste, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes, but adjust the water quantity accordingly. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red peppers or add a pinch of cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti sauce and meatballs over freshly cooked spaghetti for a classic dish. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the meal perfectly. This dish also pairs beautifully with Million Dollar Spaghetti for a delightful Italian-themed dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce And Meatballs contains roughly 333 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. The cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked. You might want to add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor, as poultry can be milder than beef.
How long can I cook the sauce?
You can simmer the sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how rich and thick you want it. Longer cooking times allow the flavors to meld beautifully, so if you have the time, let it simmer longer for the best results.
Can I freeze the spaghetti sauce and meatballs?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce and meatballs freeze well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).