HealthNotes

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground Beef, uncooked

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1/2 cup rice, white or brown, cooked (leftover rice works well)

• 2 egg whites

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper, or more to taste

• 4 cups marinara sauce, (homemade or commercial)

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

• 1 lb spaghetti, uncooked

A classic, made lighter by the addition of bread crumbs, rice and egg whites. Kids love it!

Directions

• Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, rice and egg whites in a large bowl. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well (using hands), until all ingredients are well blended. Form into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls.
• Heat a nonstick skillet and spray with nonfat vegetable spray. Cook meatballs over medium heat, turning so that the meatballs are evenly brown on all sides. When meatballs are no longer pink on the inside, transfer them to a medium-sized saucepan.
• Pour prepared or homemade marinara sauce over meatballs and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
• Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Drain, and transfer into a large serving platter.
• Pour meatballs and sauce over pasta and serve piping hot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.