Spaghetti meatballs

Dinner

Item Rating: 71/100

1 serving (300 grams) contains 400 calories, 20.0 grams of protein, 12.0 grams of fat, and 50.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (240g)

Calories		320.0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		9.6 g	12%
	Saturated Fat	3.2 g	16%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		40.0 mg	13%
Sodium		640.0 mg	27%
Total Carbohydrates		40.0 g	14%
	Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	11%
	Sugars	4.8 g
protein		16.0 g	32%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		64.0 mg	4%
Iron		2.4 mg	13%
Potassium		320.0 mg	6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍯 Low sugar

⚠️ Contains trans fat

Source of Calories

Fat: 86 cal (27.8%)

Protein: 64 cal (20.6%)

Carbs: 160 cal (51.5%)

About Spaghetti meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish with origins rooted in Italian immigrant recipes, adapted in the United States. It features spaghetti pasta, typically made from durum wheat semolina, served with tomato sauce and seasoned meatballs made from ground beef, pork, or a combination. Nutritionally, it offers a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, proteins from the meatballs, and vitamins like Vitamin C and potassium from the tomato sauce. This dish can be calorie-dense, but with portion control and leaner meat choices, it can be part of a nutritious meal. Additionally, whole-grain pasta and added vegetables can boost its fiber content and nutritional value further.

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from meatballs, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Tomato sauce is high in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce cancer risk.
• Whole-grain pasta option provides dietary fiber, aiding digestion and improving gut health.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains gluten (from wheat pasta), egg (if used in meatballs or pasta), dairy (if cheese is added), meat (for vegetarians/vegans)

Suitable for: High-protein diets if lean meats or alternatives are used, balanced diets when portions are controlled

Not suitable for: Gluten-free diets unless gluten-free pasta is used, vegetarian/vegan diets unless plant-based meat alternatives are substituted

Selection and Storage

Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions sealed tightly for up to 2 months.

Common Questions About Spaghetti meatballs Nutrition

Is spaghetti with meatballs high in protein?

Spaghetti with meatballs contains a moderate amount of protein, primarily from the meatballs. A typical serving of spaghetti and meatballs (approximately 1 cup pasta and 4 meatballs) has around 20-25 grams of protein, depending on the meat used and portion size.

Can I eat spaghetti with meatballs on a keto diet?

Traditional spaghetti is not compatible with a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content, with one cup of cooked spaghetti containing about 40 grams of carbs. To make it keto-friendly, consider substituting spaghetti with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash and use low-carb ingredients in the meatballs, like almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Is spaghetti with meatballs healthy or are there concerns?

Spaghetti with meatballs can be healthy if prepared mindfully, offering protein and iron from the meat and energy from the carbs in pasta. However, concerns may arise due to the high carb content of spaghetti and potential excess sodium or fat in processed meatballs or sauces. Opt for whole-grain pasta and homemade meatballs to improve its nutritional profile.

What is the recommended serving size for spaghetti with meatballs?

A standard serving size for spaghetti with meatballs is typically about 1 cup of cooked pasta paired with 3-4 medium meatballs and ½ cup of marinara sauce. This provides roughly 400-600 calories depending on the recipe and ingredients used, which is suitable for a balanced meal.

How does spaghetti with meatballs compare to spaghetti with marinara sauce alone?

Spaghetti with meatballs is higher in protein and fat due to the inclusion of meat, while spaghetti with marinara sauce alone is lower in calories and can be vegetarian-friendly. For example, spaghetti with marinara sauce may contain around 300 calories per cup (without cheese), whereas adding meatballs increases the calorie count to 400-600 per serving, depending on portion size.

Data Sources & Scientific References