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Traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs

Traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe image
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.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 148.7
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
  • 1 pound Spaghetti or Linguine; OR
  • 4 slices White bread
  • 1/2 cup Skim milk
  • 2 large Egg whites
  • 8 oz Ground turkey
  • 8 oz Extra lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup Grated Romano cheese
  • 1 tbsp Minced fresh basil
  • 1 tsp Minced fresh oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper
Directions
  1. 1
    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.
  2. 2
    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.
  3. 3
    Add the ground turkey, ground beef, egg whites, Romano cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the bread.
  4. 4
    Mix ingredients gently by hand until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  5. 5
    Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. 6
    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.
  7. 7
    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.
  8. 8
    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.

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, ground turkey, ground beef, italian, dinner, family meal, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, romano cheese, pasta, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/traditional-spaghetti-meatballs/