Low FODMAP Spaghetti and Meatballs
Classic Italian-American spaghetti and meatballs with homemade marinara sauce. A family-friendly low FODMAP dinner everyone will love.

Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 1 tablespoon parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- 2
If using mozzarella, form meat around small cubes of cheese to create stuffed meatballs. Otherwise, roll into 12 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- 3
Heat garlic-infused olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 4
Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- 5
Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar if using. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- 6
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- 7
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
- 8
Toss spaghetti with a few spoonfuls of sauce and remaining Parmesan.
- 9
Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and extra sauce.
- 10
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.
FODMAP Notes
Uses garlic-infused olive oil for garlic flavor without FODMAPs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta eliminate wheat-based fructans. Aged Parmesan and mozzarella are low in lactose. Keep tomato serving reasonable.
Tips
- 💡 Don't overmix the meatball mixture - it makes them tough
- 💡 Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen raw or cooked
- 💡 Stuff with mozzarella for a fun surprise center
- 💡 Use a mix of beef and pork for more flavor
Recipe Notes
Nothing says comfort like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. This low FODMAP version uses garlic-infused oil for that essential Italian flavor and optional mozzarella-stuffed meatballs for an extra treat.
Substitutions
- Meat: Use any combination of beef, pork, turkey, or chicken
- Pasta: Any gluten-free long pasta works
- Cheese: Skip the mozzarella center for simpler meatballs
Storage
- Refrigerator: Meatballs and sauce keep 4 days separately
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Reheat meatballs in sauce over low heat
FODMAP Stacking Note
One serving (3 meatballs + pasta + sauce) is low FODMAP. The tomato sauce is portioned appropriately. Avoid doubling up on servings.
Related Recipes
- Low FODMAP Spaghetti Bolognese
- Low FODMAP Penne with Meatballs
- Low FODMAP Swedish Chicken Meatballs