Description
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It features tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over a bed of cooked spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Combine and Serve: Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Pour sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- You can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
- Leftover spaghetti and meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner