Spaghetti and Meatballs
A comforting dish of seasoned meatballs served over spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground beef Freshly ground is preferred for flavor; leaner options like turkey or chicken can be used.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned; panko adds extra crunch.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated enhances flavor; can substitute with Pecorino.
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley, chopped Can be swapped with basil for a different flavor.
- 1 Egg Acts as a binder; use a flaxseed egg for vegan option.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds depth; reduce for a milder flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper
For the Sauce
- 28 ounces Canned tomatoes Whole or crushed; choose those without added salt.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A mix of herbs; oregano or thyme can be used individually.
For the Pasta
- 1 pound Spaghetti Opt for high-quality, imported pasta for the best texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown on all sides (about 5-6 minutes).
- In the same skillet, add the canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully add the browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Plate the spaghetti and spoon the meatballs and sauce over the top. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to three months. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or olive oil if needed.