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Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

This irresistible spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines tender, baked meatballs with a rich, homemade tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a comforting Italian classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

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
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (additional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 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, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet. 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. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add additional minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce, then add the baked meatballs on top. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs when possible for enhanced flavor.
  • For extra tenderness, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing with the meat.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, Italian recipe, pasta, homemade tomato sauce, comfort food

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