Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this hearty and satisfying Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese. This meat-free twist on a classic Italian favorite features tender, flavorful plant-based meatballs seasoned with garlic, fresh parsley, and Parmesan, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce infused with oregano and basil. Served atop perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of melted mozzarella, this dish is a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you're vegetarian or simply looking for a lighter take on a timeless meal, this recipe is sure to delight the whole family.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spaghetti
• 300 grams Plant-based ground meat
• 50 grams Breadcrumbs
• 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 500 ml Marinara sauce
• 100 grams Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 4 liters Water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plant-based ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2

Form the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Gently add the browned meatballs into the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring they are fully warmed through.

Step 6

Meanwhile, bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 7

Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top while the dish is still hot, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.

Step 8

Serve immediately with an optional garnish of additional parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5564.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2544.1

Total Fat 134.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 340.6mg	0%
Sodium 6588.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 211.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.5g
Protein 137.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1804.6mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 1183.3mg	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: 46.5%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 32.4%