Meatball Spaghetti
Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? I don’t know what it is about this dinner but I just find it way more exciting than spaghetti bolognese, even though it’s very similar ingredients. This is a really kid friendly meal as I have blended the sauce and snuck in some veggies. This is also perfect for meal prep, as this amount yields about 6-8 servings (depending on how many meatballs you want to eat!). This recipe can be made dairy free if you leave out the parmesan cheese. This recipe does contain egg.
Ingredients
Total estimated calories for 3 meatballs and 100g pasta serving = 635*
For 20 large meatballs
6-8 servings | 75 calories per meatball**
800g extra lean mince
1 clove garlic
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp dried rosemary
50g grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
salt & pepper
4-5 tbsp olive oil
For Sauce
Serves 6-8 | 50 calories per serving based on 6 person portion*
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 red chilli, finely chopped
3 tbsp tomato pureé
2 400g tins chopped tomato
2 tsp sugar or balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper
some fresh basil (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
Method
To make the sauce, sauteé the garlic, carrot, onion & chilli until onion is softened. Add in your basil (if using), tomato pureé, tins of tomatoes and season well with salt & pepper. Simmer together for about 15minutes.
To make the meatballs add all your ingredients, except for the oil into a large bowl and combine using your hands.
Using a tbsp amount of meat mixture roll into balls in your hands and set aside until all the mince mixture is used up. I got 20 large meatballs out of this amount, but you could make them smaller or bigger, depending on how you like them.
In a large pan or skillet, heat the oil and add your meatballs. Cook until browned all over (takes about 10-15minutes).
Once browned place meatballs on a plate with some kitchen paper and blot off any excess oil.
Cook spaghetti (or any pasta of choice) according to packet instructions. I cook 100g pasta per person (roughly 350 calories if using dried white pasta).
By now your sauce should be ready to blend. I use a hand blender.
When pasta is cooked, stir in your sauce and meatballs. Grate some extra parmesan on top.
*Calories calculated using my fitness pal may not be entirely accurate and should be used as a rough estimate for caloric value of meal. Cals will differ based on brands of pasta used / fat content of meat etc.
