This is one of those recipes that my whole family absolutely loves. Let’s face it…meatballs are a crowd pleaser. My youngest daughter even likes cold leftover meatballs in her lunch on occasion. It's an easy dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Who doesn't love a good whole-wheat spaghetti and meatball recipe?
These would also be good on toothpicks as an appetizer at a party or a tailgate, or you could mix them together with some warm noodles and sauce like the picture. You could also double the recipe and freeze the leftover meatballs (when they are either raw or cooked) for a quick meal on a busy day.
No matter what you decide to do I promise you will not be disappointed. This recipe has been one of our family’s favorite “go-to” meals for years!
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti and Meatballs
This is one of those recipes that my whole family absolutely loves. Let’s face it…meatballs are a crowd pleaser. My youngest daughter even likes cold leftover meatballs in her lunch on occasion. It's an easy dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Who doesn't love a good whole-wheat spaghetti and meatball recipe?
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole-wheat spaghetti
- pasta sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/3 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup carrot in bits (you can grind the carrot in a food processor, grate then dice them, or mince them)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- crushed red pepper to taste
- olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Boil pasta noodles according to package directions.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Mix together ground beef and next 10 ingredients (find a recipe for breadcrumbs here – Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs). I find it easiest to use my hands.
- Generously grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll the beef mixture into meatballs the size of golf balls. Place them in rows onto the greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 9 – 11 minutes or until brown all the way through.
- Serve meatballs on top of cooked noodles and warm pasta sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti and Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 775
Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 129mg43%
Sodium 559mg24%
Potassium 636mg18%
Carbohydrates 95g32%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 42g84%
Vitamin A 2805IU56%
Vitamin C 3.5mg4%
Calcium 182mg18%
Iron 7.5mg42%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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All I need to say is that the second time I made this recipe, I tripled and froze two-thirds. My whole family loves these! Do not change a thing!
The comment that said took 1.5 hrs? Crazy! I thought these were super quick to throw together and my family of 6 loves the flavor of these meatballs. Very tasty! I had 3 mozzarella cheese sticks that I cut into 8 small squares each and wrapped the meat around the cheese because I was nervous we wouldn’t have enough for everyone. It ended up marking 24 meatballs. Thanks for the great recipe! Served it with your spaghetti sauce using canned tomatoes. Look forward to making that one using fresh.
Would the flavor be diminished if I left out the soy sauce? My son strongly dislikes soy sauce.
There will be a tad bit difference, but it shouldn’t hurt the overall taste that much.
Just made these meatballs, they are so so so good! Thank you! Going to make your pumpkin muffins now :)
1 1/2 hours to make and a major disappointment; these meatballs do not have a good flavor
Sorry to hear you weren’t pleased with this recipe. You can always alter them to fit your taste. – Nicole
I made these for a New Years Eve party (I wanted to make sure there was something I would eat) – and they were a huge hit! My only modification was to add some finely chopped mushrooms. I’m going to try them next with ground turkey and am sure that they will be delicious!
This is the first recipe I have tried from this site. I made this last night and it was delicious! The meatballs have great flavor, although I thought my store bought pasta sauce masked that great flavor. I can’t find your homemade pasta sauce recipe. Could you post the link to it? Thank you. Also, I added 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Do you think that is too much? And lastly, would you recommend a type of dip to supplement these meatballs as an appetizer? Thank you so much!
Hi there. Here are Lisa’s pasta recipes: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/19/recipe-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/21/recipe-simple-spaghetti/. Not sure about a dip but bruschetta pairs well.
What could I substitute for the soy sauce?
This is my favorite homemade substitution: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/92873/soy-sauce-substitute/.
Lisa, I made this last night with your homemade pasta sauce and your kale chips. Everything was absolutely delicious. My five-year-old son said, “Mommy, I love this dinner! Can we have this dinner tomorrow night?” Talk about music to my ears! We are big fans, and we thank you for the great recipes.
If you freeze these, raw or cooked, how do you go about cooking them? Let them thaw first, or just put on the baking pan frozen?
Thanks!
Hi Angela. I usually thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat them in a covered pyrex.
I just made this for my family. Hands down ~ BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS EVER!!!!!! Meatballs are so easy and very flavorful!!!!
This one isn’t one of my favorites. If I make it again, I will probably sauté my garlic first. Raw garlic (even though it does cook as the meatballs cook, clearly) is just too overpowering for us. These were also a tad dry, but perhaps I overcooked them.
I’m considering using 1 lb grassfed pork and 1 lb grassfed beef and am wondering if i could make part into meatballs and part into a meatloaf. Would i need to add anything to the meatloaf section? Onions?
Hi Meg. That is not something we’ve tried but I can’t imagine a meatloaf with out onion. :)
I have made these several times now. This is the only way I want to eat spaghetti now! My questions is how to go about freezing the meatballs. Can you flash freeze them on a cookie sheet and then put into a ziplock bag? Or cook them before freezing? Then also what would be the best way of cooking them from frozen? I always skim through all the comments so that if someone already asked I am not asking the same question. I see where someone asked but there was never a reaponse, so I am hoping to get one for myself and others who are wondering the same thing. I love you site and I am getting ready to purchase your book.
Hi there. I cook and then freeze them. You can freeze them in any airtight container. When reheating, I allow them to thaw overnight and reheat them in the oven or just add them to your sauce as it cooks until they are warm through. ~Amy
My kids LOVE this recipe and want me to make it every week!! I bought your cookbook and it is wonderful! Thank you for the wonderful, healthy recipes!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand of whole wheat pasta that doesn’t taste gritty? Can’t seem to get my husband on board with the whole wheat version because of the texture…Thanks!
Hi Megan. Maybe this will help: http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/kitchen_product_reviews/eatingwell_taste_test_the_great_whole_wheat_pasta_challenge. Please note that they are not all 100% whole wheat. ~Amy
When using frozen meatballs, what is the best way to heat them up?
Hi Michelle. I would thaw them overnight and reheat them covered until heated through in the oven. You could also microwave them. ~Amy
Hi – a few questions.
1. Could you use ground turkey instead of ground beef? If so, would the other ingredients need to be modified for taste/texture?
2. For the bread crumbs could you use whole wheat panko?
3. How many meatballs is considered a serving? We are a family of 3 so thinking this will make extra which I’m thinking could be frozen for later use. Correct?
Hi Rachel. Yes on all fronts and I’d use 3 meatballs as a serving size. :)
I don’t have red wine vinegar on hand what could i substitute instead?
Hi Erin. Apple Cider Vinegar would work, too.
These were the most amazing meatballs I have ever eaten! Thank you for such amazing, obtainable recipes.
Can u fry. Meatballs in stead of bake?
Hi Kristine. You can certainly pan fry them. :)
Just wondering what your take is on wheat? I have been reading a lot on how bad today’s wheat is for our bodies because it has been so modified over the years. It seems you use a lot of wheat products.
Hi Caroline. Lisa’s family enjoys whole wheat and many other whole grains. They have no sensitivity to wheat or gluten though many people do. I think you have decide based on what works for your body. ~Amy
Any tips on replacements for Parm cheese? My 2yo is allergic to dairy. Thanks!
Hi Debbie. I use this vegan recipe for a Parmesan sub all the time. I don’t tolerate dairy well, myself. ~Amy
My 3 year old is allergic to dairy too. Where’s the vegan recipe for parm? I don’t see it…
Oops, I didn’t attach it! Here is is: http://ohsheglows.com/2010/02/23/glass-dharma-giveaway/. :)
Any suggestions to sub for the breadcrumbs to make gluten free. Am using gluten free pasta. Gluten free breadcrumbs?
Hi Gen. I make gluten free breadcrumbs from the gluten free bread I buy at our local bakery. It works great in the dishes that I’ve used it as a sub. ~Amy
My fam will no longer accept a meat sauce spaghetti, it HAS to be meatballs. We love this recipe, thanks!
Just made these with organic ground turkey….YUMMO!!!
I have made this meatball recipe several times! I’ve used it in your Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce, and even converted it to a meatloaf! There are absolutely NO leftovers in the history of ever at our house! This weekend I am making it for all our party guests! Thank you! What a great recipe!
This was my plan, too! I’ve made the spaghetti & meatballs, but wanted to try something different with it.
This looks delicious!! What brand of whole wheat noodles to you recommend? I seem to have a hard time finding one! Thank you
Hi Leia. That really depends on your own preferences. Trader Joes and Whole Foods 365 brands are two of my favorites. Here is a handy review that Good Housekeeping did: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/archive/product-reviews/food-products/pasta-reviews/0/16. Not all of them are 100% whole wheat but several are. ~Amy
I just cooked up a batch of these. Yummy! I’m wanting to freeze some raw now, but am wondering how long/what temp I should cook them from frozen later on? Thanks ahead for reading and answering this comment! 100daysofrealfood is my “go-to” site for recipes! :-)
Another great recipe that I tried. I am so excited for the cookbook. Made this over rice with marinara sauce and froze the leftovers. Thank you
Just made these, and they taste terrific! My kids are going to love them. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Made meatballs with noodles and sauce for dinner. My four Year old keeps saying, “Mmmm yummy meatballs!” and “Yum Yum these noodles are good :)’ I will be adding this meal to our monthly rotation.
Hi there. Here are several: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/19/recipe-whole-wheat-spaghetti-and-meatballs/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/09/27/recipe-slow-cooker-sunday-sauce-will-feed-crowd/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/19/recipe-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/. All can be made ahead and frozen in single servings, retrieved from the freezer the night before to thaw in fridge, making for easy lunch prep in the morning. Also, this post is all about quick little cheats: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/10/real-food-tips-4-super-quick-wholesome-dinners/. Hope this helps. ~Amy
ThanQ for sharing the recipe for home made meatball sauce.
Love the real food site… awesome recipes and good helpful tips.
Can you please, suggest any QUICK homemade pasta to be cooked
in the mornings for my school kids?
I use the very handy “Pasta sides” as it cooks faster and add lot of frozen
veggies and some herbs & spices or even some protein to it.
Can you suggest some healthy home made alternatives? Something
that i can rustle up quickly in the morning.
Thank You very much!
Can u please giive a homemade recipe for pasta sauce to use with
meatballs f& spaghetti?
These are seriously the best meatballs ever! My picky 5 year old devours them and always asks for 2nds when I make these :)
Delicious! Love the addition of the soy sauce…really adds a nice flavor. Might consider browning them in a pan first and then baking to get a really crispy outside.
I wanted to report that I made these using quick cooking GF oats and without cheese, as I’m GF and DF, and my whole family thought they were great. I’ve also shaped them into patties baked them in foil with veggies and onion and everyone loved that too.
I’m making this now and underestimated how much ground up carrots 2 big carrots makes! What Can I do with the leftovers?
I would add them to a baked good, like applesauce or pumpkin muffins. Carrots work great in baking! I know this is too late, probably, but perhaps it will help others who had the same issue.
I would use them in muffins! – Nicole
These are awesome! The best I’ve ever made. I did not use soy sauce because I didn’t have any. Also, I used egg replacer instead of eggs because my daughter is allergic to eggs. (I don’t know if that counts as real food, but I didn’t know what to use as an alternative.) now, I just have to make sure these last until dinner time!
Where do you buy that brand of spaghetti sauce?
Hi Jessica. Eden Organic can be found at most conventional grocery stores as well as health food stores. Lisa does the majority of her shopping at Earth Fare. ~Amy
I made these tonight. They were awesome. I used ground turkey also. Very good. Love the carrots in them. Where do you find whole wheat breadcrumbs? I couldn’t make it to a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and couldn’t find them at Harris Teeter.
Hi Carly. If you can’t find them, you can always make your own and keep them on hand for when you need them. ~Amy
Made these tonight but used ground turkey…BEST MEATBALLS EVER!
I make homemade meatballs once a week – our whole family loves them. Your recipe sounds delicious and I will have to try it. What brand of pasta do you buy? We’ve had mixed experiences with whole grain pastas. My family thinks the texture is different (I don’t really notice) and I could use some guidance!
Hi Julie. There is not one particular brand we recommend. Sometimes it just takes a bit of trial and error to find the one your family likes best. I found that over cooking the noodles a bit when I first made the switch to be helpful with the texture issues. I also switched back and forth between whole wheat and brown rice. Hope that helps a little. ~Amy
The meatballs were good but I will par boil the carrots next time before adding to the ground beef.