1 serving (212 grams) contains 210 calories, 7.0 grams of protein, 9.0 grams of fat, and 25.0 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
210 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.0 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 19.1 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 721 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 6% | |
| Sugars | 7 g | ||
| protein | 7 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 210 mg | 4% | |
* 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
Source of Calories
About Spaghetti with meatballs
Spaghetti with meatballs is a classic dish from Italian cuisine, traditionally combining al dente spaghetti pasta with seasoned ground meatballs and rich tomato-based sauce. This iconic meal has gained global popularity for its comforting taste and balanced macronutrient profile. It provides carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the meatballs, and vitamins like lycopene from the tomato sauce. A typical serving of spaghetti with meatballs is high in energy, with varying amounts of saturated fat and sodium depending on preparation. When homemade, it offers the opportunity for cleaner ingredient choices and is a hearty option for active individuals or family meals.
Health Benefits
- Promotes muscle repair and growth due to the high protein content in meatballs.
- Supports heart health from the lycopene found in tomato sauce, a potent antioxidant.
- Provides sustained energy thanks to complex carbohydrates from whole-grain spaghetti, if used.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly to ensure food safety.
Common Questions About Spaghetti with meatballs Nutrition
How much protein and calories are in spaghetti with meatballs?
A standard serving of spaghetti with meatballs (1 cup of spaghetti with 3 meatballs) contains approximately 20-25 grams of protein and 400-500 calories, depending on the recipe and portion sizes. It is also a good source of iron and B vitamins due to the meatballs and the enriched pasta.
Is spaghetti with meatballs suitable for a keto diet?
Traditional spaghetti with meatballs is not keto-friendly because spaghetti is high in carbohydrates, with about 40 grams per cup. For a keto version, you can substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, which are low in carbs.
Are there health concerns with eating spaghetti with meatballs frequently?
Eating spaghetti with meatballs too often may contribute to excessive calorie and sodium intake, especially if the sauce is heavily salted or the meatballs contain processed ingredients. Opting for whole-grain pasta and lean meat can help mitigate some health concerns.
What is the recommended serving size for spaghetti with meatballs?
A balanced serving size is typically 1 cup of cooked spaghetti paired with 3 medium-sized meatballs and about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce. This portion provides a satisfying meal while keeping calories around 400-500, depending on ingredients used.
How does spaghetti with meatballs compare to other pasta dishes?
Spaghetti with meatballs tends to be higher in protein compared to cream-based pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo but can be higher in calories and carbs if large portions of pasta are used. Whole-grain or vegetable-based pasta can make it a healthier choice compared to traditional versions.
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.
- USDA FoodData - Spaghetti with meatballs DataU.S. Department of AgricultureOfficial nutrition data for this specific food item from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's comprehensive food database.
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.
