Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with Don's Spaghetti and Meatballs - the ultimate comfort food that will transport you straight to an authentic Italian kitchen! This irresistible recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti - a classic dish that promises to satisfy even the most discerning pasta lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 8 ounces of spaghetti, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should yield approximately 12-16 meatballs.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. You can add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- After the meatballs have simmered, taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, plate a portion of spaghetti and top it with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Don's Spaghetti and Meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible, as they provide better moisture and texture to the meatballs.
- Make sure your skillet is at the right temperature when browning meatballs - too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Allow meatballs to rest in the marinara sauce for the full recommended time to enhance flavor absorption.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small amount of milk or grated onion to your meatball mixture.
- Always test one meatball first to ensure proper seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 395kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 114mg
