Calories in Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

When it comes to homemade spaghetti meat sauce, it’s important to be mindful of the calorie content. While this classic comfort food is delicious and satisfying, it can also be quite high in calories if not prepared with a balance of ingredients. By paying attention to portion sizes and choosing low-calorie ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious plate of spaghetti without worrying about excessive calorie consumption.

The calorie content of homemade spaghetti meat sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used. When making the sauce, it’s important to use lean ground beef or turkey to keep the calorie count lower. Additionally, including plenty of vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes, can bulk up the sauce without adding a significant amount of calories. By reducing the amount of high-calorie ingredients like oil and cheese, you can keep the calorie content in check.

A one-cup serving of homemade spaghetti meat sauce typically contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Keep in mind that this does not include the calories from the pasta itself, so it’s important to be mindful of how much pasta you serve with the sauce to keep the overall calorie content of the meal in check.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for homemade spaghetti meat sauce that is both flavorful and relatively low in calories:

Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:

– 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

5. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles, and enjoy!

This homemade spaghetti meat sauce recipe makes about 6 servings, each containing approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. By using lean ground meat and plenty of flavorful seasonings, you can enjoy a delicious plate of spaghetti without consuming an excessive amount of calories. So go ahead and indulge in this classic comfort food, knowing that you’re making a healthier choice by preparing it at home.