Tofu Meatball Spaghetti

Kids love Spaghetti! Whenever I serve Spaghetti at home, it’s always a sure hit - simot na simot! Your kids will surely love this and they won’t be able to tell that you made it healthier for them! Sharing with you my Healthy Tofu Meatball Spaghetti recipe.

Spaghetti with Tofu Meatballs

Ingredients:

400g spaghetti

For meatballs:

• 1/2 kg extra-lean ground beef

• 1 block (500g) silken tofu

• 1 piece egg

• 1/2 cup chopped onion (divide into 2 portions)

• 4 garlic cloves, grated or minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For marinara sauce:

• remaining garlic and onions

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 canned tomatoes, crushed

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot according to package directions.

2. Crumble ground beef and tofu into a large mixing bowl. Add egg, half of the onion, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Combine ingredients thoroughly, either with fingers or with a fork. Measure approximately 1/4 cup of the meatball mixture. Roll into balls and place in a non-stick pan. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once in the middle of cooking. Once cooked, transfer to a plate then set aside.

3. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, the remaining onion, and canned tomatoes. Allow mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes then add sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer until the sauce is cooked. Serve tofu-meatball sauce over pasta.

Note: For picky eaters, finely chop the onions and puree the marinara sauce before adding the meatballs back to pot.

This dish contains 45-50% of the daily iron needs of kids ages 6-9. This is also a good source of Niacin which helps support normal growth and development among children. Try this recipe for your next family meal.