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Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 29 reviews

A classic Italian favorite, Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs combines perfectly seasoned, baked meatballs with a rich homemade tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. This hearty and comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying family meal or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

Sauce

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (separate from meatball mixture)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, large egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  3. Make the tomato sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well but retain a small amount of pasta water if desired.
  5. Combine and serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce and warm meatballs. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for an enhanced flavor if available instead of dried Italian herbs.
  • To keep meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • For a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti and meatballs, Italian dinner, baked meatballs, homemade pasta sauce, classic Italian recipe

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/irresistible-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/