When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the warm embrace of spaghetti and meatballs, a dish that seems to hug your stomach while whispering sweet nothings about flavor. Picture this: a plate piled high with perfectly al dente spaghetti twirled around juicy, flavorful meatballs, all drenched in a rich marinara sauce that smells like Italy on a sunny day.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What ingredients do I need for the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
- How long does it take to prepare the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
- Can I make the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe ahead of time?
- What sides go well with Spaghetti and Meatballs?
- Conclusion for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my childhood when my grandmother would make this dish every Sunday. The entire house would fill with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs as she stirred her secret sauce. I remember standing on my tiptoes, trying to sneak a taste before it was ready—because who could wait? This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me; your taste buds are in for an unforgettable ride!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- With its robust flavors and comforting textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser
- The vibrant red sauce and golden-brown meatballs create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Best of all, it adapts easily—feel free to swap ground meats or pasta types as you please!
Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Choose your favorite type; I often use whole wheat or gluten-free options for added nutrition.
Ground Beef: Use a mix of lean and fatty ground beef for tender, juicy meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and savory richness; don’t skip this!
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring an aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience; they form the base of your luscious marinara.
Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme infuses your dish with classic Italian flavors.
For the Sauce:
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant.
Sugar: A pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes; trust me, it makes all the difference!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Getting Started with Meatballs: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until just mixed—don’t overdo it!
Shaping Your Meatballs: Wet your hands lightly (this prevents sticking) and roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet about an inch apart so they can bake evenly.
Browning Your Meatballs: Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until browned. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling like nonna’s house.
Creating the Sauce: While your meatballs are baking away happily, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent—around five minutes will do.
Mixing It All Together: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant (set timers because burnt garlic is no one’s friend). Pour in crushed tomatoes along with sugar and dried herbs; simmer gently for about ten minutes while stirring occasionally.
Combining Pasta with Sauce: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—it should have just enough bite! Drain well and toss into the sauce along with those glorious baked meatballs.
Serving It Up: Plate your spaghetti generously topped with meatballs and ladle some extra sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or more Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
Digging In: Serve hot with crusty bread on the side—trust me; you’ll want something to soak up all that heavenly sauce! Enjoy every twirl of spaghetti as if it were your last bite because who knows when you’ll have another plateful?
You Must Know
- This delightful Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table
- With a rich tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, it’s an easy dish that will impress your family and friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your meatball ingredients, rolling them into perfect balls, then sear them in a hot pan. While they’re browning, cook your spaghetti in salted water. Simultaneously, prepare your rich tomato sauce for a seamless cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat. You can also toss in fresh herbs or grated cheese to elevate flavors. Personalizing this dish is part of the fun!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; it should be combined just until everything is incorporated
- Always season your pasta water generously with salt for added flavor
- Lastly, let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavor development
My first attempt at this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe was a disaster—let’s just say my meatballs were more like hockey pucks! But after some practice and tweaking, it became my family’s absolute favorite dish.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
To make a delicious spaghetti and meatballs recipe, you will need spaghetti pasta, ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For the sauce, gather canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and additional spices like basil and oregano. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Feel free to customize your meatballs with cheese or other herbs for added flavor.
How long does it take to prepare the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
Preparing the spaghetti and meatballs recipe generally takes about 30 minutes for preparation and an additional 30 minutes for cooking. In total, expect around one hour from start to finish. This timeline can vary slightly based on your cooking speed and whether you choose to make homemade sauce or use jarred sauce. Planning ahead can help streamline the process for a delightful family meal.
Can I make the Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can certainly make the spaghetti and meatballs recipe ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on medium heat while cooking fresh spaghetti. This method makes it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort on busy days.
What sides go well with Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Several sides pair nicely with your spaghetti and meatballs recipe. A classic choice is garlic bread or a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette. You might also consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch. Additionally, consider adding Parmesan cheese on top of your dish to enhance its flavor further.
Conclusion for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe :
In conclusion, making a spaghetti and meatballs recipe at home is both rewarding and simple. By gathering fresh ingredients such as quality ground meat, herbs, and pasta, you can create a comforting meal that pleases everyone at the table. Remember that preparation can be done in advance for convenience. Enjoy this classic dish with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, savory meatballs with a rich marinara sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This classic dish evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until just combined.
- Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until browned.
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, and Italian herbs; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with sauce and meatballs before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
