Discover a classic Italian culinary masterpiece with our savory Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. This hearty dish features tender, homemade meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce, served atop a bed of perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti. It’s a timeless comfort food that will satisfy your cravings and transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
Delicious spaghetti and meatballs recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of cooked pasta (typically spaghetti) served with meatballs and a tomato-based sauce. The meatballs are typically made from ground meat, such as beef, pork, or a combination, mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and sometimes eggs. They are shaped into balls and then baked, fried, or simmered in the tomato sauce until cooked through. The sauce is often seasoned with garlic, onions, herbs like basil and oregano, and may include additional ingredients like grated cheese. Spaghetti and meatballs is a beloved comfort food in many parts of the United States and has become a symbol of Italian-American cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce has simmered, add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs!
Video
Notes
One important thing to note when making spaghetti and meatballs is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined; it's okay if there are small pockets of breadcrumbs or seasoning visible. Gently shaping the meatballs with your hands, rather than compacting them tightly, will also help ensure they remain tender and flavorful.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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