Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. This recipe combines flavorful, homemade meatballs with a robust marinara sauce, creating the ultimate pairing with spaghetti. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner with loved ones, this dish is always a winner.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium pot (for boiling spaghetti)
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
   • Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, sauté onions in the remaining oil until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce:
   • Add the browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the sauce for even coating. Serve meatballs and extra sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Tips:

• For softer meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
• Use fresh basil or oregano for an elevated flavor.
• Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. With its rich sauce and perfectly cooked meatballs, it’s a dish your family will request over and over again. Enjoy it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast!