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Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Classic spaghetti and meatballs, made with tender, juicy meatballs and a rich marinara sauce, is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner!
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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
 

  • Instructions:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.