Craving a comforting Italian classic that won't leave you with a mountain of leftovers? Look no further! Our "Spaghetti with Meatballs Small Batch" recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, combining tender spaghetti with juicy, homemade meatballs enveloped in rich marinara sauce. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your dining companion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into 6-8 small, uniform meatballs, each about 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F), approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes.
- In the same skillet with the cooked meatballs, pour marinara sauce and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, coating the meatballs and allowing the sauce to warm through.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add a small amount of marinara sauce and toss to coat the pasta lightly.
- Plate the spaghetti, top with meatballs, and spoon additional marinara sauce over the dish. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying your small-batch spaghetti and meatballs.
Tips
- Meatball Magic: For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs to the meat mixture. This will elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly!
- Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti: Always add salt to your boiling water before cooking the spaghetti. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps it taste amazing even on its own.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the marinara sauce for a few extra minutes after browning. This not only warms the sauce but also infuses the meatballs with delicious flavors.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking the meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Give them enough space to brown evenly on all sides, which will enhance their texture.
- Garnish with Flair: For a restaurant-quality presentation, finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a nice touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
