Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring long pasta strands topped with seasoned ground meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. The dish typically combines spaghetti, beef or pork meatballs, marinara sauce, and often Parmesan cheese. While inspired by Italian culinary traditions, it is widely recognized as a staple of Italian-American cuisine.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the meatballs, with a moderate amount of fat depending on the meat and sauce used. A standard serving provides a good source of iron, B vitamins, and lycopene from the tomato sauce, with a calorie range of approximately 500-800 per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	550 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	900 mg
Iron	4 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Potassium	500 mg
Vitamin A	300 mcg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Vitamin B12	2 mcg
Zinc	5 mg
Selenium	30 mcg

Per 1.5 cups (340 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Spaghetti and Meatballs represents a creative adaptation by Italian immigrants in America, blending Old World techniques with New World ingredients. Nutritionally, the combination of tomato sauce and meat enhances iron absorption, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.