If you love Italian cuisine, then you probably adore homemade spaghetti with meat sauce. Not only is this dish delicious and comforting, but it is also quite easy to make at home. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, it is important to understand the calorie count of this dish and how to balance it out with your daily diet.

First, let’s break down the calorie count of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce. A standard serving of homemade spaghetti (2 ounces dry) contains around 200 calories. The meat sauce, depending on the type of meat and ingredients used, can vary in calorie count. On average, a serving of meat sauce can range from 100-150 calories. Therefore, a portion of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce can total around 300-350 calories.

Now, let’s take a look at a basic recipe for homemade spaghetti with meat sauce:

Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 pound of spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is browned and cooked through. If using turkey, cook until it is no longer pink.

3. Drain any excess fat from the meat and then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

5. Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

6. Serve the spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

This recipe makes about 6 servings of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce. Each serving contains roughly 350 calories, making it a moderate calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

In conclusion, homemade spaghetti with meat sauce is a beloved classic that is both satisfying and relatively simple to prepare. By understanding the calorie count and portion sizes, you can enjoy this Italian favorite without sabotaging your healthy eating goals.