Imagine a plate of steaming, perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs smothered in rich, aromatic tomato sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is more than just a meal – it's a culinary experience that brings families together and transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen, promising a delicious adventure that's surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb meatballs
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs by combining ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork) with minced garlic, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently mix the meatball ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This should take about 6-8 minutes per batch.
- In a separate large pot, sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the pot, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Carefully add the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through completely.
- While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return to the pot. Toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Plate the spaghetti, top with meatballs and tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs!
Tips
- Meat Selection: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for the most flavorful meatballs. The combination provides a perfect balance of richness and texture.
- Mixing Technique: When combining meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense.
- Browning is Key: Take your time browning the meatballs. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Sauce Simmering: Low and slow is the secret to a rich, deeply flavored sauce. Let the meatballs simmer gently to ensure they're tender and fully cooked.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook spaghetti al dente – it should have a slight bite. Reserve a little pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles if needed.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of authenticity, garnish with fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.Pro tip: This recipe serves 4 and takes about
- 5 hours from start to finish, making it perfect for a weekend family dinner or impressive dinner party!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
