Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Name: Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 slice whole-wheat sandwich bread, ground into coarse crumbs; 8 ounces ground sirloin; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 portobello mushroom, stem removed and chopped; 4 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves; 1 large egg white; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Freshly grated nutmeg; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed by hand; 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 small bunch fresh basil; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti; Parmesan, for serving, optional

Servings: persons

1 slice whole-wheat sandwich bread, ground into coarse crumbs
8 ounces ground sirloin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 portobello mushroom, stem removed and chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 large egg white
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed by hand
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 small bunch fresh basil
3 sprigs fresh thyme
8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
Parmesan, for serving, optional

1
Pulse the sandwich bread in a food processor to form coarse crumbs.
2
Add the beef, 1/4 cup onion, mushroom, 1 tablespoon garlic, parsley, and egg white; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg; pulse again to finely chop and combine.
3
Portion into about 20 meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place on a plate.
4
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat; add the remaining garlic and onion.
5
Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
6
Stir in the tomatoes and broth.
7
Tie sprigs of basil and thyme together with kitchen twine; add to the tomatoes.
8
Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.
9
Add the meatballs and continue to simmer, without stirring, until the meatballs are partially cooked, about 10 minutes.
10
Turn the meatballs; cook 10 minutes more or until fully cooked.
11
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti.
12
Nutritional analysis per serving (analysis without optional Parmesan)
13
Calories 413; Total Fat 11g (Sat Fat 2.2g, Mono Fat 6.2g, Poly Fat 1.4g) ; Protein 24g; Carb 59g; Fiber 10g; Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 639mg

283

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 slice whole-wheat sandwich bread, ground into coarse crumbs, 8 ounces ground sirloin, 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 portobello mushroom, stem removed and chopped, and more.

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

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

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions