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Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe – Healthy Version

Healthy Baked Spaghetti and meatballs recipe featured image1

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
Cooking Method
Difficulty Beginner
Time
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
  • 1 lb Ground turkey (Use 1 pound of ground turkey Or chicken)
  • 1/4 cup Gluten-Free Flour (1/4 cup of oatmeal, almond flour, or cornmeal)
  • 1 Vegan egg replacer (or just Use Egg)
  • 2 clove Garlic (Freshly Minced)
  • 2 tbsp Parsley (Freshly Chopped)
  • Salt & Pepper (To your taste)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Onion (Fresh, Chopped)
  • 2 cup Low-sodium Tomato sauce (Or homemade tomato sauce)
  • 12 oz Gluten-free Spaghetti (whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti)
  • 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese (optional) (low-fat or vegan mozzarella cheese (optional))
  • 2 cup Vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini, chopped (optional))
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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