The cost of making spaghetti and meatballs depends on the quality of ingredients and the number of servings. Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses for a family-sized meal (4 servings), using common ingredients:
Ingredients and Costs
Ingredient |
Quantity Needed |
Average Price |
|---|---|---|
Spaghetti |
1 lb |
$1.50 |
Ground Beef or Pork |
1 lb |
$4.50 – $6.00 |
1 (large) |
$0.25 |
|
Breadcrumbs |
1/2 cup |
$0.50 |
Parmesan Cheese |
1/4 cup |
$1.00 |
Garlic |
2 cloves |
$0.25 |
Onion |
1 (medium) |
$0.50 |
Canned Tomato Sauce |
1 jar (24 oz) |
$2.50 |
Italian Seasoning |
1 tsp |
$0.10 |
Olive Oil |
2 tbsp |
$0.25 |
Salt and Pepper |
To taste |
$0.10 |
Total Cost:
$11.50 – $13.50 for 4 servings
- Cost per Serving: Approximately $2.88 – $3.38
Adjustments for Budget or Quality
- Budget-Friendly Version: Use store-brand products, which can reduce costs to around $8 – $10 total.
- Premium Ingredients: Opt for organic ground meat, fresh herbs, and high-quality olive oil, which can raise the cost to $15 – $18.
Comparison to Dining Out
- Homemade: $2.88 – $3.38 per serving
- Restaurant Price: $12 – $18 per serving
Making spaghetti and meatballs at home is significantly cheaper than dining out, and you can customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.