Best 3 Lighter Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, the traditional recipe can be quite heavy, with a high fat and calorie content. If you're looking for a lighter version of this dish, there are a few simple changes you can make to reduce the overall fat and calories without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Best Spaghetti and Meatballs image

One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. -Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste
3 cups water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups soft bread cubes (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste; cook 3-5 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 50 minutes., Combine the first 7 meatball ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add meatballs; brown in batches until no longer pink. Drain. Add to sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

LIGHTER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



Lighter spaghetti & meatballs image

Lentils make a low-fat addition to these minced pork patties for a healthier family favourite - still full of herby, garlicky flavour

Provided by Angela Nilsen

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Pasta, Supper

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tsp rapeseed oil
280g spaghetti
200g green lentils (well drained weight from a 400g can)
250g lean minced pork (max 8% fat)
½ tsp finely chopped rosemary
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove , crushed
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
2 shallots , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
500g cherry tomatoes , preferably on the vine, halved
2 tsp tomato purée
pinch of chilli flakes
2 tbsp chopped oregano , plus a few chopped leaves to garnish

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with 1 tsp oil. Mash the lentils in a bowl with the back of a fork to break down a bit, but not completely. Stir in the pork, rosemary, mustard, garlic, some pepper to generously season, and mix well with the fork to distribute the lentils evenly. Divide the mixture into 4. Form each quarter into 5 small balls - to give you 20 in total - squeezing the mixture together well as you shape it. Lay the meatballs on the foil and roll them around in the oil to coat all over. Bake for 15 mins until cooked and lightly browned. Remove (leave the oven on) and set aside.
  • While the meatballs cook, heat 2 tsp of the oil for the sauce in a large non-stick frying pan. Tip in the shallots and garlic, and fry on a medium heat for 3-4 mins until softened and tinged brown. Pour in the remaining 1 tsp oil, lay the tomatoes in the pan so most of them are cut-side down (to help release the juices), raise the heat and fry them for 3-4 mins or until the tomatoes are starting to soften and release their juices. Don't stir, or they may lose their shape. Splash in 125-150ml water so it all bubbles, and gently mix in the tomato purée. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 mins to create a juicy, chunky sauce. Season with the chilli flakes, oregano, pepper and a pinch of salt, and give it a quick stir, adding a drop more water if needed - you want it thick enough to coat the meatballs.
  • Pour the sauce into a casserole dish, add the meatballs and spoon the sauce over them to coat. Cover with foil and bake for 10 mins while you cook the spaghetti.
  • Boil a large saucepan of water. Add the spaghetti, stir and bring back to the boil. Cook for 10-12 mins, or following pack instructions, until al dente. Drain well, season with pepper and serve with the meatballs, sauce and a light sprinkling of oregano.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Fat 11.6 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2.8 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 60.6 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7.6 grams sugar, Fiber 8.8 grams fiber, Protein 27.3 grams protein, Sodium 0.4 milligram of sodium

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
3/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup white onion, cut into chunks
1/8 cup fresh basil leaves
1/8 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 egg
Two 14-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Kosher salt
1 pound spaghetti
Grated Parmigiano, for serving

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Combine the ground meats in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk to soak.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, basil, parsley and garlic into a thick puree. Add to the ground meats. Add the milk and breadcrumbs, cheese, salt and egg to the meat. Knead together until combined. Scoop into 2-ounce balls (about 1 1/2 inches) on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
  • Bake until browned, about 10 minutes.
  • For the sauce: Lower the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix the tomatoes together with the salt in a casserole dish, then add the roasted meatballs. Cover with foil and bake, 1 hour.
  • For spaghetti: Bring at least 6 quarts salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Place in a bowl and top with meatballs, sauce and grated parm.

Tips:

  • Use lean ground beef: This will help reduce the fat and calories in your spaghetti and meatballs.
  • Use whole wheat spaghetti: Whole wheat spaghetti is a healthier option than white spaghetti, as it is higher in fiber and nutrients.
  • Make your own meatballs: Making your own meatballs allows you to control the ingredients and make them healthier. You can use lean ground beef, turkey, or even chicken.
  • Use a light tomato sauce: A light tomato sauce is lower in calories and fat than a traditional tomato sauce. You can make your own light tomato sauce or use a store-bought brand.
  • Add vegetables to your spaghetti and meatballs: Adding vegetables to your spaghetti and meatballs is a great way to add more nutrients and flavor to the dish. You can add chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach.

Conclusion:

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make a lighter version of spaghetti and meatballs that is still delicious and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of salad or bread for a complete meal.

Related Topics