Spaghetti and Meatballs … 1 Dish … 6 Ways …

Spaghetti and Meatballs … 1 Dish … 6 Ways 001

If you’re looking for a recipe that is as versatile as it is delicious, then this dish fits the bill perfectly.  These meatballs can be prepared earlier in the day and are quick and easy using simple ingredients.  Get super organised, whip up a double portion, freeze one or two extra batches of meatballs and then you have dinner covered for another night (or two).

Here’s a recipe that can be served not one, not two but six different ways!  Listed below are the six different ways I serve these delicious meatballs:

1.  The meatballs can be served in this rich tomato sauce to become Spaghetti and Meatballs (recipe below).

2.  Place the meatballs on a skewer (or just in a container) with the tomato sauce served separately for dipping and there you have a great option for lunch and an alternative to a traditional sandwich.

3.  Make you own meatball sub just like Subway with these little beauties … just roll the meatballs a bit smaller.

4.  Prepare and cook the meatballs but serve with onion gravy, potato mash and vegies.

5.  This sauce tastes great served over pasta on its own as a vegetarian option.

6.  If you’re watching your calories, skip the pasta and serve the meatballs and sauce in a bowl with a side salad of beautiful fresh chopped tomatoes, slices of cucumber, slices of Spanish onion and some bocconcini … yum!

5.0 from 1 reviews
Spaghetti and Meatballs …
 
Author:
Ingredients ...
  • 700g lean mince
  • 1 onion, peeled and grated
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup packaged wholemeal breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • ⅛ cup dried parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • Sauce:
  • 2 x 700g bottles pureed tomatoes
  • 2 onions, peeled and grated
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon mixed herbs
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 beef stock cube
Method ...
  1. Combine sauce ingredients and simmer for approximately 20 - 30 minutes.
  2. Combine all meatball ingredients (using your hands will ensure everything is well mixed) and roll into 20 - 25 balls (depending on how large you roll them).
  3. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs in batches.
  4. Once all the meatballs have been browned put them in the sauce and allow to simmer and cook through for approximately 20 minutes.
  5. Serve with spaghetti, which has been cooked according to instructions on the packet, sprinkle with grated cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

 

Clever Tips, Tricks and Hints …

  • Because this recipe stretches so far, I like to use “Heart Smart Mince” … it’s a little bit more expensive but so much better for you.
  • If spaghetti is a bit of a challenge for toddlers or younger children, try serving this with macaroni, as they will find it easier to eat.
  • Finely chopped spinach can be added to the sauce.
  • If you find you have any excess sauce left over, place it in a container and freeze.  It can be used as a tomato sauce over pasta for a vegetarian option.
  • Substitute normal pasta with a gluten free variety if you have a family member with an allergy or food intolerance.
  • This recipe only requires ¼ cup of parmesan cheese.  I purchase Millel Parmesan which is already grated in a resealable bag.  Once I’ve used what I need, I pop it in the freezer until I need it again and it freezes beautifully.

So tell me, can you think of another serving suggestion for these meatballs?

Comments

  1. Yum, I love spaghetti and meatballs! I also love meatballs baked with eggs and tomato sauce (kefta style), it’s soooo good!

    • This is such a delicious recipe that has the kids running to the dinner table! It’s also great for leftovers the next day as the flavours really develop and the sauce thickens up beautifully.

  2. Hehe if I do get a Subway sub, it’s always meatball 😉

  3. I usually just do spag bolle but I might have more success with this as they eat meatballs! I LOVE the look of this myself! Emily – visiting as part of #teamIBOT

    • Give it a go Emily because it’s a great variation on the usual Spaghetti Bolognaise! It’s such an easy recipe and so yummy!

  4. We make Turkey Meatballs and that is one meal where there is never any left overs! 😉 xx

    • I must give the turkey a go … I haven’t tried those before but they sound delicious as well x

  5. Hi, I was just popping over to have a look at your lovely blog after you made a comment on one of my posts and I am so happy to find this post. I was just about to google how to make a good spaghetti with meatballs for tonight. This is perfect – thanks xx

    • I’m so pleased Robyn and thanks for visiting! This is a simple, delicious, quick recipe that all the family will love. x

  6. great recipe – love the idea of skewering small meatballs to include in a lunchbox – must try that soon – thanks

    • Hi Deb and welcome. My kids love these in their lunch boxes because it’s a great alternative to a sandwich or wrap. I also do something similar with my Greek Lamb Meatballs … another yummy recipe that I’ll be sharing soon.

  7. Your meatballs look great. I love the versatility too.

    • I try hard with all my recipes to think of more than one way they can be served. It means we don’t get bored with the same dishes all the time and the slight variations definitely makes my life in the kitchen so much easier!

  8. I’ve just pinned this-great advice!

    Thanks for joining the Say G’Day Saturday linky party. Hope you can join us again this weekend.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz