This hearty traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe combines lean ground turkey and extra-lean beef for a lighter yet deeply flavorful main course. The meatballs are bound with egg whites and soaked bread, then seasoned with fresh basil, oregano, and Romano cheese for an authentic Italian-American taste. Served alongside tender spaghetti, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory richness and comforting carbs. It is an ideal choice for family weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something satisfying and home-style. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs
Description
This hearty traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe combines lean ground turkey and extra-lean beef for a lighter yet deeply flavorful main course. The meatballs are bound with egg whites and soaked bread, then seasoned with fresh basil, oregano, and Romano cheese for an authentic Italian-American taste. Served alongside tender spaghetti, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory richness and comforting carbs. It is an ideal choice for family weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something satisfying and home-style. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a small bowl, soak the white bread slices in skim milk until soft. Squeeze out excess liquid and crumble the bread into a large mixing bowl.
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Add the ground turkey, ground beef, egg whites, Romano cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the bread.
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Mix ingredients gently by hand until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
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Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Add your preferred tomato sauce to the skillet, covering the meatballs. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and flavors meld.
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Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 148.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.2g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 1.1mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 28.4g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
- Sugars 0.6g
- Protein 5.7g12%
* 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
If fresh herbs are unavailable, you may substitute 1 tsp dried basil and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, but reduce the amount by half to prevent overpowering the dish.
For a vegan variation, replace the meat with a plant-based ground alternative and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of egg whites. Ensure the Romano cheese is substituted with a vegan parmesan alternative.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
