Name: Spaghetti & Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or beef-pork blend; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Olive oil (for frying or baking); 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp sugar (optional); Fresh basil (optional, for garnish); 12 oz spaghetti; Salt (for pasta water); Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Description

Spaghetti & Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish with tender homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, served over al dente spaghetti for a comforting and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground beef or beef-pork blend
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Olive oil (for frying or baking)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
12 oz spaghetti
Salt (for pasta water)
Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes.
Add ground meat, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Form into small meatballs. Fry in olive oil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until browned. Set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and onion until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add meatballs to sauce and simmer another 20 minutes to blend flavors.
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil or sauce.
Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth.
Include chili flakes for heat.
Swap in other pasta like rigatoni or linguine.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to meatballs or sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg