Spaghetti with ground meat

Spaghetti with ground meat

Dinner

Item Rating: 73/100

1 serving (250 grams) contains 350 calories, 20.0 grams of protein, 10.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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330.2
calories
18.9
protein
42.5
carbohydrates
9.4
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.8g)
Calories
330.2
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.4 g 12%
Saturated Fat 3.8 g 19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 37.7 mg 12%
Sodium 566.0 mg 24%
Total Carbohydrates 42.5 g 15%
Dietary Fiber 2.8 g 10%
Sugars 4.7 g
protein 18.9 g 37%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 47.2 mg 3%
Iron 2.4 mg 13%
Potassium 377.4 mg 8%

* 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

51.5%
22.9%
25.6%
Fat: 84 cal (25.6%)
Protein: 75 cal (22.9%)
Carbs: 170 cal (51.5%)

About Spaghetti with ground meat

Spaghetti with ground meat is a classic Italian-American dish, featuring cooked spaghetti noodles topped with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with ground beef or another type of ground meat like turkey or pork. This dish is a balanced source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Spaghetti provides energy through complex carbohydrates, while ground meat contributes protein and essential vitamins such as B12, zinc, and iron. Depending on the choice of meat, this dish can vary in fat content. Tomato sauce further enriches the meal with antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium, making it both hearty and nutritious.

Health Benefits

  • Complex carbohydrates in spaghetti provide long-lasting energy and support overall brain function.
  • Ground meat is rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
  • Tomato-based sauces contain lycopene, an antioxidant shown to promote heart health.
  • Ground meat (especially beef) provides iron, important for oxygen transport in the blood, and vitamin B12, crucial for neural function.
  • Potassium from tomatoes helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (if cheese is added)
Suitable for: High-protein diets, omnivorous diets
Not suitable for: Vegetarian diets, vegan diets, gluten-free diets (if traditional spaghetti is used)

Selection and Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion sizes for up to 2-3 months.

Common Questions About Spaghetti with ground meat Nutrition

Is spaghetti with ground meat high in protein?

Spaghetti with ground meat is a moderate source of protein. A typical serving of spaghetti (2 ounces cooked) with 3 ounces of cooked ground beef provides around 20-25 grams of protein, which can support muscle repair and growth. Protein content may vary based on the type of ground meat used, with leaner meats offering slightly higher protein and lower fat.

Can I eat spaghetti with ground meat on a low-carb or keto diet?

Traditional spaghetti made with wheat flour is high in carbohydrates, with about 42 grams of carbs per cooked cup, making it unsuitable for a strict ketogenic or low-carb diet. However, you can substitute the spaghetti with low-carb options like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and pair it with ground meat to make it keto-friendly.

What are the health benefits and concerns of eating spaghetti with ground meat?

Spaghetti with ground meat can offer a balanced source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, especially if lean meats like ground turkey or chicken are used. However, it can be calorie-dense and high in saturated fat (up to 8 grams per serving) if made with regular ground beef. Using leaner meat and incorporating vegetables like tomatoes and spinach into the sauce can make it a healthier choice.

What is a recommended portion size for spaghetti with ground meat?

A standard portion size is 2 ounces of uncooked pasta (approximately 1 cup cooked) topped with 3-4 ounces of cooked ground meat and sauce. This provides a balanced meal, amounting to approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the specific ingredients, and is compatible with standard dietary guidelines.

How does spaghetti with ground meat compare to other pasta dishes?

Spaghetti with ground meat is higher in protein compared to most vegetarian pasta dishes due to the inclusion of meat. However, it can also be higher in calories and fats compared to lighter options like pasta with marinara sauce or vegetable-based pasta dishes. Substituting ground beef with leaner options like ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles can enhance nutritional quality.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.