Calories In Homemade Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious and filling meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering about the nutritional value of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce. In this article, we will discuss the number of calories in homemade spaghetti with meat sauce and how it can fit into your diet plan.
What is Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
Homemade spaghetti with meat sauce is a dish that is made by cooking spaghetti pasta and serving it with a sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. It is a simple and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Calories in Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
The number of calories in homemade spaghetti with meat sauce can vary depending on the serving size and the ingredients used in the recipe. A typical serving size of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce is about 1 cup or 240 grams.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce contains approximately:
- Calories: 288
- Total Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Sodium: 711 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
It is important to note that the nutritional value of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used in the recipe. For example, using lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef can reduce the total fat and calorie content of the dish. Similarly, using whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti can increase the amount of dietary fiber and nutrients in the dish.
How to Make Healthy Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
If you are looking for a healthier version of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce, here is a simple recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
Directions:
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is soft.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve with the meat sauce.
This healthy homemade spaghetti with meat sauce recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 365
- Total Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Sodium: 668 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 49 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 9 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Protein: 31 grams
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti with meat sauce is a delicious and filling meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. By using lean ground beef and whole wheat spaghetti, you can reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish while increasing the amount of dietary fiber and nutrients. Remember to watch your portion sizes and enjoy this classic Italian dish in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
