We just tossed this idea together because we found a package of ground pork on sale plus $1 off for $1.99 at Target. We have not cooked with ground pork, so we figured we’d buy it and figure something out. So, inspired by our favourite TV chefs, Ina Garten & Giada DeLaurentiis, we came up with this delicious dish – Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs.
Side dishes that go well with Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs:
- garlic bread, of course!
- we did green beans, but if you ask me, they were out of place here
- a salad is a classic choice as well
Some alternatives you can try:
- make your own sauce
- use ground beef instead of pork
- use a different type of sauce or pasta (this recipe is easy to change!)

Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs
Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs is a hearty but easy dinner recipe. It's the perfect dish to tackle on a busy weeknight, and it's loaded with flavour.
Equipment
- 1 medium skillet
- 1 deep skillet
- 1 large bowl
- 1 baking sheet/cutting board
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork (minced pork)
1 box spaghetti - we used whole wheat
1 small yellow onion - diced/minced
1 clove garlic
1 medium egg
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 jar Marinara sauce (tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions – pasta sauce in southern hemisphere for Italian seafood dish) - we used a marinara from Trader Joe’s
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon oregano - or Italian seasoning, optional
3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: dice onions and garlic, get spices measured and ready.
- Heat a medium skillet and soften half of the diced onions with olive oil. Pop the softened onions in the freezer for a couple of minutes to cool them just a bit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, softened 1/2 onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, bread crumbs and whole egg. Mix with clean hands until everything is incorporated. Roll into ping pong ball sized meatballs and place on baking sheet/cutting board.
- Heat medium skillet over medium-high heat. At the same time, begin boiling pasta water in another pot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and put meatballs in. Brown the meatballs on each side for 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry; you’re NOT cooking them all the way through in this step.
- Heat deep skillet and add a bit of oil. Add other 1/2 onion to a deep skillet and soften. Once soft, reduce heat to medium-low and add sauce. Add the browned meatballs to the deep skillet with the sauce. Cover skillet and continue on medium-low (or low if it bubbles) for 10 minutes or so.
- At this time, begin cooking your pasta. It will be done at just the right time!
- Check the temperature of meatballs with a meat thermometer – once they hit 160°F, they’re done! Plate it, and you’re done!
Notes
So there you have it, another easy and healthy dinner that is full of flavour and easy on the wallet!
Nutrition
Calories: 1206kcalCarbohydrates: 132gProtein: 52gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 1685mgPotassium: 1526mgFiber: 9gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1107IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 6mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We’re eager to hear your thoughts!