Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe – Healthy Version

Learn how to make healthy spaghetti and meatballs recipe with this simple and delicious recipe. You will love this baked version of the classic Italian dish that is lower in fat and calories
Healthy Baked Spaghetti and meatballs recipe featured image1 pinit

Do you know that Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe dish can be more healthier and easier to make?

You can do so by baking it in the oven and replacing few ingredients with healthier options.

Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a great way to reduce the fat and calories of this dish, without compromising the flavor and texture. By baking the meatballs instead of frying them, you can avoid excess oil and grease.

By using whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta, you can increase the fiber and nutrients of this dish.

By using low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese, you can cut down on the saturated fat and cholesterol of this dish.

Baking spaghetti and meatballs is also a convenient way to make this dish, as it requires less pots and pans and less supervision. You can simply layer the cooked spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a mouthwatering dish that will make you feel like you are in an Italian restaurant.

In this recipe, you will learn how to make healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs with this simple and easy recipe. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your baked spaghetti and meatballs even better. You will be amazed by how delicious this dish is, and how easy it is to make at home.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Healthy Baked Spaghetti and meatballs recipe featured image1
Meatball pasta in a bowl” by Jakub Kapusnak/ CC0 1.0

This recipe of Spaghetti and Meatballs when used with different ingredients also named as:

  • Healthy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole
  • Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs with Spinach and Cheese
  • Spaghetti and Meatball Muffins
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe – Healthy Version

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr
Servings: 6 Calories: 400 kcal (Per serving)
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few basic ingredients. As we replaced the ingredients for the healthier options.

You will need ground turkey or chicken, oatmeal, almond flour, or cornmeal, egg or vegan egg replacer, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, tomato sauce, whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti, low-fat or vegan mozzarella cheese (optional), spinach, mushrooms, carrots or zucchini (optional).

And of course, you should enjoy healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs in limitation, as it can still be high in sodium, sugar, and carbohydrates. You can make it healthier by using lean turkey or chicken, low-sodium sauce, and low-fat or vegan cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the sauce or serve it with a green salad to increase your fiber intake.

Ingredients for Healthy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instructions for Healthy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

for Meatballs

  1. Ready the Oven

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or grease with Olive Oil to avoid sticking.

  2. Prepare the Meatballs

    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, oatmeal, almond flour, or cornmeal, egg or vegan egg replacer, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well and shape into 1-inch balls.

  3. Bake the Meatballs

    Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.

  4. Stir and cook Onion

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and cook the onion until soft, about 10 minutes.

  5. Cook the Veggies

    With the Onions cooked, add the tomato sauce and the spinach, mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini (if using) and bring to a boil.

    Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Boil Spaghetti

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

  7. Combine and Bake

    In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and cheese (if using). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Serve Healthy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Serve hot or cold with assorted drink or soda.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Sodium 320mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 44g15%
Dietary Fiber 8g32%
Sugars 6g
Protein 26g52%

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

Note

Notes:

  • You can use store-bought or frozen meatballs instead of making your own. Just thaw them before adding them to the sauce or baking them in the oven.
  • You can use jarred or canned tomato sauce instead of making your own. Just add some water if it is too thick or some tomato paste if it is too thin. You can also season it with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
  • You can use regular pasta instead of whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. You can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.
  • You can use shredded or grated cheese instead of slicing or grating it yourself. Just sprinkle it over the dish before baking or melting it in the microwave or oven if you like.

Equipments used/needed:

  • A large bowl
  • A baking sheet
  • Cooking spray
  • A large skillet
  • A large saucepan
  • A large pot
  • A colander
  • A large casserole dish
  • A cheese grater (optional)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
How do I store and reheat leftover healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs?

ou can store leftover healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for a few minutes or bake it in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15 minutes at 350°F (177°C).

How do I make gluten-free healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs?

You can make gluten-free healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs by using gluten-free bread crumbs, gluten-free pasta, and gluten-free tomato sauce. You can also use oatmeal, almond flour, or cornmeal instead of bread crumbs to bind the meatballs.

How do I make vegetarian or vegan healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs?

You can make vegetarian or vegan healthy baked spaghetti and meatballs by using plant-based meat alternatives, such as soy crumbles, tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans, mushrooms, or nuts. You can also use vegan cheese, vegan egg replacer, and vegan tomato sauce.

What kind of pasta is best with Meatballs

The kind of pasta that is best with meatballs depends on your personal preference and the type of sauce you are using. However, some general guidelines are:

  • For light-to-medium sauces, such as marinara or pesto, you can use thin and long noodles, such as spaghetti, angel hair, or vermicelli. These noodles can cling to the sauce and distribute the flavor evenly.
  • For thick and creamy sauces, such as alfredo or carbonara, you can use wide and flat noodles, such as fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle. These noodles can hold up well under the weight of the sauce and the meatballs.
  • For chunky and hearty sauces, such as Bolognese or arrabbiata, you can use short and sturdy noodles, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. These noodles can trap the sauce and the meatballs in their hollows and ridges.

According to some sources, the most common pasta to serve with meatballs is spaghetti. It is a classic pairing that works well with most sauces. However, if you want to try something different, you can also use other types of pasta, such as lasagna noodles, which can be layered with meatballs and sauce in a casserole dish, or spaghetti and meatball muffins, which are baked in a muffin tin for individual portions. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you want to make your dish healthier.

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