Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs

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

Jane Simpson

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.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3 people

Calories 1206 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium skillet
• 1 deep skillet
• 1 large bowl
• 1 baking sheet/cutting board

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 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!