Low Sodium Spaghetti with Meatballs

Indulge in a hearty and heart-healthy dinner with this Low Sodium Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe—a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground beef, unseasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a medley of aromatic spices like garlic, oregano, and basil, these tender meatballs are baked to perfection for a lighter touch. The rich, unsalted tomato sauce is simmered with a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, while whole wheat spaghetti provides a wholesome, fiber-rich base. With just 20 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy traditional Italian flavors without the excess sodium. Serve it with a sprinkle of low-sodium Parmesan and fresh parsley for a beautifully balanced, low-sodium meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (90% lean or leaner)
• 0.5 cup Unseasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 cups Unsalted tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) Unsalted diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, low sodium if available)
• 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned on the outside.

Step 5

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the unsalted tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and an additional sprinkle of garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil (to taste). Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Step 7

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the simmering sauce. Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 9

Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 10

Enjoy your flavorful low sodium spaghetti with meatballs!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2403.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1870.4

Total Fat 75.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 541.0mg	0%
Sodium 1093.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.8g	0%
Total Sugars 29.7g
Protein 136.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 477.1mg	0%
Iron 23.7mg	0%
Potassium 3840.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.3%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 36.2%