Healthy Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs
Try this Healthy Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe.
Try this Healthy Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe.
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- milk
- 2 yolks
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leave
- 2 tbsp extravirgin olive oil
- 350 gr /12oz spaghetti ( i used garofalo whole wheat s
- 1 lb. ground lean beef
- 1 ciabatta roll
- 1/2 cup /100gr grated parmesan
- 1 small minced white onion
- 2 tbsp finely chopped basil
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cans peeled tomatoes chopped, seeds and juice discarded
- a bunch of basil leaves
- 1 garlic clove gently crushed
- 2 tbp extravirgin olive oil
- Carbohydrate 3.20372262735308 g
- Cholesterol 784.723728319579 mg
- Fat 44.8714499751851 g
- Fiber 0.361984332715902 g
- Protein 28.8596129294851 g
- Saturated Fat 15.2361932643116 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (187g)
- Sodium 106.775222168783 mg
- Sugar 2.84173829463718 g
- Trans Fat 4.28497222295119 g
- Calories 536 calories
Step-by-step
- For the meatballs, take the ciabatta roll and cut it in small cubes.
- Put in a bowl, cover it with milk and let soak for a while.
- In a large bowl mix all the remaining ingredients beside the olive oil.
- Grab the bread and squeeze it to release most of the milk. Then add it to the bowl and mix all together until all ingredients are combined.
- Form the meatballs. Use around 2oz of meat. Put the meat in the palm of my hand, make it round and then press it to make it a bit flat.
- Take a very large frying pan. Add the olive oil and get it screaming hot.
- Add the meatballs and don’t touch them for at least 3 minutes. You want a nice crust before turning them otherwise they’ll fall apart.
- Turn them on the other side and let cook for 3 minutes. Use the juice that is coming out from the meat to baste the meatballs.
- When you have seared both sides, turn the heat off. They will continue to cook with the sauce.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce: heat a sauce pan with 2 tbsp of oil and garlic.
- Gently stir-fry the garlic until golden then discard, reduce the heat and add chopped tomatoes and a couple of basil leaves.
- Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar, and cook for about 10-15 mins.
- Half-way through cooking time, add the meatballs and finish to cook all the ingredients together.
- In the meantime cook the spaghetti in a pot of lightly salted boiling water, for about 8 mins or al dente, according to pasta type.
- Drain the pasta and toss into the pan with the meatballs sauce.
- Stir all together, grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
A Busy Mom's Delicious and Healthy Weeknight Dinner
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, healthy. My family deserves nutritious meals, even on those crazy days when it feels like I'm juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle. That’s why I've perfected this recipe for Healthy Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs. It's a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and surprisingly simple to make.
This isn't your average, heavy, greasy spaghetti and meatballs. Oh no, my friends! I've tweaked the classic to be lighter, healthier, and just as flavorful. Using lean ground beef keeps the calorie count down without sacrificing that rich, meaty taste. I also swap out regular pasta for whole wheat spaghetti, adding a boost of fiber and nutrients. The secret weapon? A little bit of fresh thyme and lemon zest brightens up the whole dish, making it feel fresh and exciting, even after a long day at the office.
The meatballs themselves are the star of the show. I use ciabatta bread, soaked in milk to add moisture and tenderness. The key is to really squeeze out the excess milk before mixing it with the meat – this prevents soggy meatballs! And the searing process? Absolutely crucial. Don’t touch those meatballs for those first three minutes; that's how you get that perfect crispy crust. The rest of the cooking happens gently in the simmering tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
The tomato sauce itself is incredibly simple. I use canned peeled tomatoes, because let's be honest, who has time to peel tomatoes from scratch on a Tuesday night? A little garlic, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar – that’s all it takes to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. And the best part? It comes together quickly, allowing me to have dinner on the table in under an hour. This recipe is a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's all about smart swaps and efficient cooking techniques.
This recipe isn't just for busy moms, either. It's perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal. Whether you’re a college student living on a budget, a fitness enthusiast tracking your macros, or just someone who appreciates a great meal without the fuss, this recipe is for you. It's adaptable too; feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the sauce.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for another quick meal later in the week. That's the secret to my sanity – meal prepping for victory! This recipe is my go-to when I need a nourishing and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a true weeknight lifesaver, and I hope it becomes your go-to as well.
Ingredients to Note:
- Lean Ground Beef: Choose a leaner ground beef option to keep the dish lighter and healthier.
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and basil elevate the flavors to another level.
- Ciabatta Bread: Adds moisture and texture to the meatballs.
- Canned Peeled Tomatoes: A time-saving shortcut that doesn't compromise on flavor.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be delicious, satisfying, and totally achievable, even with a busy schedule. So ditch the takeout menus, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a weeknight dinner that’s both good for you and your soul.
