1 serving (111 g) Meatball Bake contains 260 calories. If you're looking for a tasty and filling dinner option, this dish could be a great choice. But how does it stack up nutritionally?
Let's take a closer look. In addition to the calorie count, 1 serving of Meatball Bake provides 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of sugar.
Overall, this dish is fairly balanced in terms of macronutrient content. That said, you'll want to be mindful of how much sodium you consume, as 1 serving of Meatball Bake contains 520 milligrams of sodium. Let's dive into the details.
Calorie Count
As mentioned earlier, 1 serving of Meatball Bake contains 260 calories. To put that in perspective, 260 calories is about the same as 1 large apple or 1 small bagel.
Protein Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake provides 18 grams of protein. That's roughly 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for an average adult.
Carbohydrate Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake contains 16 grams of carbohydrates. Most of those carbs come from the pasta and tomato sauce used in the dish.
Fat Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake provides 13 grams of fat. Most of the fat in the dish comes from the ground beef used to make the meatballs.
Fiber Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake contains 2 grams of fiber. While not a particularly high amount of fiber, it's still a decent source of this important nutrient.
Sugar Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake provides 6 grams of sugar. Most of this sugar comes from the tomato sauce used in the dish.
Sodium Content
1 serving of Meatball Bake contains 520 milligrams of sodium. That's roughly 22% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. If you're trying to limit your sodium intake, this dish may not be the best choice for you. That said, there are a few strategies you can use to reduce the sodium content of the dish, such as using low-sodium tomato sauce or reducing the amount of salt you use when seasoning the meatballs.
Ingredients List
The ingredients list for Meatball Bake will vary depending on the recipe you use. Typically, the dish includes ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and various seasonings. Some recipes may also include cheese or other toppings.
Preparation Time
The amount of time it takes to prepare Meatball Bake will depend on the specific recipe you're using. Generally speaking, it takes about 45-60 minutes to prepare and cook the dish. If you're short on time, you may want to consider prepping and cooking the meatballs ahead of time to save time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Meatball Bake can be a delicious and satisfying dinner option on its own, but there are a few ways you can customize the dish to suit your tastes. For example, you could try adding some chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture to create a more nutritious and flavorful dish. You could also experiment with different types of pasta or cheese to create a new twist on the classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Meatball Bake
1. What are the ingredients in Meatball Bake?
The ingredients for Meatball Bake typically include ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and spices such as oregano, salt, and pepper. Additionally, it may require tomato sauce and cheese for the topping.
2. Is Meatball Bake a healthy meal option?
This dish is not considered the healthiest option due to the use of ground beef and cheese, which can be high in fat and calories. However, it can be made healthier by using lean ground meat, whole-grain breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese.
3. Can Meatball Bake be frozen?
Yes, Meatball Bake can be frozen. Allow it to cool to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or foil and placing in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. How do you reheat Meatball Bake?
To reheat Meatball Bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per serving.
5. What are some serving suggestions for Meatball Bake?
Meatball Bake can be served with a side salad or vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It can also be served with pasta, rice, or garlic bread for a more filling option.