Spaghetti, Meatballs, Cheese Bread and, Salad

Spaghetti, Meatballs, Cheese Bread, and Salad

Spaghetti is an all time favorite at our house. When we are at a loss for dinner ideas we often turn to spaghetti or tacos. Spaghetti is affordable and versatile! There are so many types of pasta, and meats to create a great dish. I went with traditional beef meatballs this time. If I am in a hurry I will brown ground round and toss it into the sauce for a meat sauce. 

I like to pair spaghetti with a traditional salad. Another great addition to this affordable meal is frozen garlic bread, topped with shredded cheese to make an incredible cheese bread. You won't believe how simple this bread is! You will be making this bread for snacks and as a party favorite. Simply add a side of marinara sauce for dipping. 

Most of my recipes serve about 6 people, so be sure to measure for your needs. This recipe served 8. 

Recipe

Meatballs

2 lbs ground round

4 cloves garlic

2 eggs

1/2 cup of bread crumbs (you could use saltine crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, traditional or Italian breadcrumbs).

Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Pepper, 

1/2 tsp. Oregano 

1/2 tsp. Basil

1 tsp. Parsley

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

Olive oil (you can use oil of your choice)

Mix together and form into balls. Put oil into bottom of pan, just enough so the meatballs don't stick. On medium heat brown all sides. Depending on how large you make your meatballs will determine how many you get. This made about 16 meatballs, two person for 8 people. 

Once meatballs are browned and cooked through, add them to the sauce.

Sauce

Depending on how much time I have will depend on whether or not I will make a homemade sauce or use a jar sauce. In this recipe I used my favorite jar sauce. This recipe calls for 2 Jars of Sauce. I also used one jar of marinara for the cheese bread. 

Garlic Bread

You can buy the frozen garlic bread from the freezer section of your grocery store. The are sold in different sizes. You can buy the garlic bread for about $1.99 when it is on sale, sometimes less. So if you have a freezer large enough to put them in, I recommend buying a few when they are sale. 

Open the garlic bread and break it in half. It is already split into two. The garlic butter spread is already on the bread, so all you have to do is add the shredded cheese on top of each side. Set the oven on broil. Broil the bread until the cheese is baked on. This occurs quickly, about 5 minutes so keep an eye on it or it can burn quickly. 

Directions

Once meatballs are browned and cooked through, add them to the sauce, cover and simmer while you prepare the pasta. Add water to a stock pot and bring to boil. Add salt to water once it is at a boil so that it flavors the pasta. Next add pasta. Cook until done, about 10-12 minutes. Turn off the sauce/meatballs. Take Meatballs out and put into bowl. Strain Pasta and add sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese. 

A Great Meal on a Budget!

Total cost of this meal which serves 8 totaled about $20.00! That is only $2.50 per person. 

As mentioned many times in my blog I only by what is on sale. Assuming you have the spices in your cupboard along with oil, here is how it breaks down. 

Ground round $3.99 per pound x 2 pounds = about $7.98

Pasta 2 boxes $2.00 @ 1.00 per box when on sale at 10/10

Parmesan cheese $2.79

Lettuce $2.79/3 heads in a package = I used 1 head at .93, so about $1.00

Tomato .50

Onion .50

Garlic Bread in the frozen section provides two long pieces $1.99 

Shredded cheese on sale at $1.99

Bread crumbs .99.