Spaghetti Sauce With Meat Balls
A hearty spaghetti sauce with flavorful meatballs, rich tomato base, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings. Savory, comforting, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, and beaten egg.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in melted shortening.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper, and onion powder to the pan.
- Simmer the sauce with meatballs for 2 hours.
- Remove the lid during the last hour of simmering.
- Serve the spaghetti sauce with meatballs topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce. If you’re short on time, you can substitute fresh ground beef with pre-made meatballs or use turkey for a leaner option. Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less crushed red pepper based on your heat preference. This sauce is versatile and can be used in dishes like Slow Cooker Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and don’t forget to top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad pairs perfectly with this dish. For a comforting twist, try it with Lasagne Rolls or serve it alongside some hearty garlic knots for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce with meatballs to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce With Meat Balls contains roughly 942 calories, with 28g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (254% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% 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 other types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats for different flavors. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat you choose, so ensure the meatballs are cooked through.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you could mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering to thicken it quickly.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve for a quick and delicious meal.
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).