Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 1
Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

1 hr 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic , minced
1 egg , beaten
3/4 cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic , minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 can tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 basil leaves , torn , plus additional for sprinkling on top

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
413
Sugar
11g
Fat
23g
Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs is a staple in many households. This recipe provides a twist to the classic recipe by using lean ground beef and whole-wheat breadcrumbs to make it healthier without sacrificing the rich Italian flavors. The dish is packed with proteins and fiber, and its health benefits come from the tomato sauce’s high antioxidant and Vitamin C content. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, minced garlic, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3.Form mixture into 12 meatballs.
4.Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5.Add canned tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.Add tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and stir into tomato mixture.
7.Add meatballs to the sauce, cover, and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
8.Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles, and sprinkle with torn basil leaves.

PROS

This Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs is a classic comfort food that pleases a large crowd.

This recipe is a healthier version using lean ground beef and whole-wheat breadcrumbs.

The rich tomato sauce is bursting with flavor, and the meatballs are tender and juicy.

CONS

This recipe takes some time to prepare.

The meatballs need to be cooked separately, and the sauce needs to be simmered and baked in the oven.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is higher in protein and fiber compared to traditional spaghetti and meatballs recipes.
Using whole-wheat breadcrumbs instead of white bread crumbs adds more fiber to the recipe.
The tomato sauce is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

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