Calories In Spaghetti And Meat Sauce Homemade
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic dish that many people enjoy. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be a great way to get a variety of nutrients in your diet. However, many people are concerned about the number of calories in spaghetti and meat sauce homemade. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calories in this dish and provide some tips on how to make it healthier.
Calories in Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
The number of calories in spaghetti and meat sauce can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. A typical serving of spaghetti and meat sauce is around 1 cup, which contains around 300-400 calories. However, this can vary depending on the amount of meat, pasta, and sauce used in the recipe.
If you're looking to reduce the number of calories in your spaghetti and meat sauce, there are a few things you can do. One option is to use lean ground beef or turkey instead of regular ground beef. This will reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish. Another option is to use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. This will increase the fiber content of the dish and help you feel full for longer.
Nutritional Value of Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Spaghetti and meat sauce can also be a good source of nutrients. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A. However, the nutritional value of the dish can vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
One way to increase the nutritional value of the dish is to add more vegetables to the sauce. You can add chopped onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and other vegetables to the sauce to increase the fiber content and nutrient density of the dish.
Healthy Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipes
Here are a few healthy spaghetti and meat sauce recipes you can try:
1. Turkey Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and serve with the meat sauce.
2. Veggie Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms)
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chopped vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and serve with the meat sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meat sauce can be a delicious and nutritious dish when prepared properly. By using lean meat, whole wheat pasta, and adding more vegetables to the sauce, you can reduce the number of calories and increase the nutritional value of the dish. Try out some of the healthy recipes we've provided and enjoy a delicious meal that's good for you!
