Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouth-watering Italian feast? Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with this irresistible Pasta Sauce with Meatballs recipe! Imagine tender, perfectly browned meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti - a dish so delicious, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 500g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-15 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of olive oil. Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, rotating them gently to achieve an even golden-brown exterior. This process should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes to ensure meatballs are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return to the pot. Ladle the meatballs and marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Mix the meatball ingredients gently - overworking the meat can make them tough and dense.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs to your meatball mixture.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them retain their juices.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- For a more authentic touch, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for richer flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning meatballs - this ensures they get a perfect golden crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
