How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs?

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, and more.

Is Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs

Name: Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
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 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 bay leaf; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 basil leaves, torn, plus additional for sprinkling on top

Try this homemade Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs recipe the whole family will love. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley and Pa…

This Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as lean ground beef, chopped fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese and ground black pepper. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 621 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions