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Classic Spaghetti And Meatballs – A Timeless Dinner Favorite

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic dinner dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. This recipe begins with tender, juicy beef meatballs made with a blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic. The meatballs are browned and then simmered in a homemade marinara sauce, which is flavored with Italian herbs and a touch of sugar for balance. The rich sauce coats the perfectly al dente spaghetti, creating a comforting meal that’s great for family dinners. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to add the final touch of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is sure to be a hit.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Spaghetti and Meatballs | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a beloved classic that brings together tender, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara sauce, all served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is a comforting favorite for many families, combining hearty beef meatballs and the satisfying texture of pasta.

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let's start by looking at the ingredients that make this dish truly special.

INGREDIENTS

  • Spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, perfectly cooked al dente to balance the rich flavors of the sauce and meatballs.
  • Ground Beef: The main ingredient in the meatballs, providing richness and flavor to every bite.
  • Sandwich Bread: Soaked in milk to create a soft, moist texture for the meatballs, ensuring they’re tender.
  • Egg: Binds the meatball mixture, helping everything stick together while they cook.
  • Onion and Garlic: Add depth and aromatics to both the meatballs and the sauce, creating layers of flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal element to the dish, brightening up the savory flavors.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor to the meatballs and as a garnish on top of the finished dish.
  • Tomato Passata: Forms the base of the marinara sauce, simmered with herbs and seasonings for a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used to brown the meatballs and sauté the aromatics, adding richness to the sauce and meatballs.
  • Italian Herbs: A blend of dried herbs that gives the sauce its classic Italian flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Soak the Bread
In a large bowl, combine 2 slices of sandwich bread (torn into small pieces) with 3 tablespoons of milk. Let the bread soak for a few minutes until soft, then mash it into a smooth mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Add 1 grated onion, 1 egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional) to the bread mixture. Stir until well combined. Gently fold in 1 lb of ground beef, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Step 3: Form and Brown the Meatballs
Shape the beef mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them carefully to ensure even browning. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until fragrant and softened. Add 28 oz of tomato passata, 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon vinegar. Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to finish cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce and meatballs are simmering, cook 1 lb of spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 7: Serve
To serve, plate the spaghetti and ladle the meatballs and sauce on top. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving Suggestions: Spaghetti and Meatballs is best served immediately while the meatballs are hot and the spaghetti is freshly cooked. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to enhance the flavors. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the spaghetti and meatballs separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat until warmed through. You can reheat the spaghetti in the microwave or by briefly submerging it in boiling water to restore its texture.

Helpful Notes

  • For a lighter version: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in the meatballs for a leaner alternative.
  • Add some spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, add red chili flakes to the sauce or meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Meal prep: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply defrost them overnight in the fridge and simmer in the sauce when ready to serve.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Giada De Laurentiis: Always cook your spaghetti al dente to maintain its firm texture when combined with the rich sauce.
  • Bobby Flay: For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a cast-iron skillet before simmering them in the sauce.
  • Mario Batali: Add a splash of pasta cooking water to the sauce just before serving to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with this classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. Juicy meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Ingredients

01 1 lb spaghetti.
02 2 slices sandwich bread.
03 3 tablespoons milk.
04 1 medium onion.
05 1 egg.
06 Fresh parsley.
07 3 cloves garlic.
08 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
09 1 teaspoon salt.
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
11 1 lb ground beef.
12 2 tablespoons olive oil.
13 28 oz can tomato passata.
14 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
15 1 teaspoon sugar.
16 1 teaspoon vinegar.
17 Pinch of nutmeg (optional).
18 1/2 cup water.
19 Red chili flakes (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine grated onion, bread cubes, and milk, letting the bread soak for a few minutes. Mash the bread mixture until smooth. Add parsley, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Mix well to form the base of the meatballs.

Step 02

Gently fold in the ground beef to the mixture, making sure not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Set the browned meatballs aside on a plate.

Step 04

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add tomato passata, water, dried Italian herbs, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.

Step 05

Return the browned meatballs to the sauce and simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to fully cook through.

Step 06

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 07

Plate the cooked spaghetti and ladle the meatballs and sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender beef meatballs with a rich marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. The dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, with juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente pasta, making it a comforting and delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60g
  • Protein: 35g