Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce & Pasta

• 1 can Italian-style tomatoes
• 2 fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach or about 1/2 bag baby spinach
• 2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce
• Cooked whole wheat or regular spaghetti, enough to serve 6
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs or crackers, garlic powder, egg, soy sauce and pepper.
3. Gently mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Use a small scoop or spoon to portion the mixture, then shape it into evenly sized meatballs.
5. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in a baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until completely cooked through.
6. While the meatballs cook, add the canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes and spaghetti sauce to a large deep skillet or saucepan.
7. Cook until the fresh tomatoes begin to soften, then stir in the spinach.
8. Add the cooked meatballs and simmer over low heat until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are tender.
9. Add the cooked, drained spaghetti and gently toss with the sauce.
10. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Kids Cooking Tip: Kids can measure the breadcrumbs, garlic powder and soy sauce, wash the fresh tomatoes and help add the spinach and Parmesan. A small cookie scoop is also useful for learning how to portion meatballs into similar sizes.