Spaghetti With Meatballs
A hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring flavorful meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over spaghetti for a satisfying family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, egg, and onion soup mix to form meatball mixture.
- Make meatballs from the mixture and drop into one pan of boiling water.
- Boil until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Put spaghetti noodles into the other pan of boiling water and cook until al dente.
- Drain the meatball water, add Ragu sauce to the pan with meatballs, and let simmer until noodles are done.
- Drain the noodles and combine everything before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and Italian herbs to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be substituted, but homemade meatballs offer a fresher taste that complements the dish. Using whole wheat spaghetti is a great option for a healthier twist, and for a gluten-free version, try zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad pairs wonderfully as a light side, balancing the richness of the dish. This meal is also perfect for family gatherings, and for a twist, consider serving it alongside Italian Meat Balls With Sauce for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. For best results, reheat on low heat to maintain the meatballs' tenderness and the spaghetti's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Meatballs contains roughly 461 calories, with 6g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% 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
What can I substitute for Ragu sauce?
If you don't have Ragu sauce, you can use any marinara or pasta sauce as a substitute. For a homemade option, blend crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. This offers a fresher flavor and allows you to control the ingredients, making it a great choice for custom Italian 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).