Spaghetti and Meatballs

This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is packed with juicy, soft, and tasty meatballs–it’s a filling, hearty, and simple dinner for the whole family.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

My Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods that is quick to prepare and always a crowd winner. It’s one of those meals that’s meaty, comforting, and sure to please the whole family! The meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavourful, and are cooked with simple ingredients before being mixed in marinara sauce and served with spaghetti.

With a few simple ingredients, you can easily make homemade spaghetti meatballs. The meatballs elevate any spaghetti recipe by making the meal more substantial and fulfilling. It’s a big hit with the youngsters!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a keeper in our house and is frequently served. There is always enough for leftovers, and it tastes just as good the next day. I hope you give it a shot for your family!



Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs :

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2-pound ground pork (or use all beef if you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • Cooking oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions:

Making the Meatballs:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom.
Making the Meatballs
  • Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Place the cooked meatballs on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Sauce:

  • Warm up the olive oil in a sizable saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it reduces slightly.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn it down to a low setting. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

  • Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil while the sauce is cooking. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Drain.
Cooking the Spaghetti

Putting it All Together:

  • Once the sauce is ready and the meatballs are cooked, gently place the meatballs into the sauce. Allow the Flavors to mingle for a further 10 minutes.

Recipe Video:

Credit: Natashas Kitchen

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

  • Present the meatballs, generously coated with the Savory sauce, atop a bed of cooked spaghetti.
  • Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for an extra burst of flavour.
  • Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs – a comforting, classic Italian dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories430
Total Fat18g
– Saturated Fat6g
Cholesterol45mg
Sodium780mg
Total Carbohydrates52g
– Dietary Fiber3g
– Sugars6g
Protein16g

Health Benefits

  1. Protein for Muscle Health: With 16g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle maintenance and growth, helping your body stay strong.
  2. Moderate Calories: At 430 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without excessive caloric intake.
  3. Healthy Fat Content: With 18g of total fat and 6g of saturated fat, it offers a balanced fat profile, important for energy and nutrient absorption.
  4. Cholesterol Awareness: It contains 45mg of cholesterol, which can fit into a heart-healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
  5. Sodium Control: Be mindful of the 780mg of sodium; consider reducing salt in other meals to manage your daily intake.
  6. Good Carb Source: The 52g of carbohydrates provide essential energy, with 3g of dietary fibre promoting digestive health.
  7. Natural Sugars: At 6g of sugars, it’s a relatively low-sugar option compared to many processed dishes.

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy this meal as part of a balanced diet to reap its benefits while being mindful of your overall nutritional intake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Spaghetti and Meatballs

Congratulations on creating a delightful batch of Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs! Now, let’s ensure you can enjoy the leftovers with the same level of satisfaction. Here’s your guide to storing and reheating this classic Italian dish:

Storage:

  1. Cool Down First:

Allow the cooked spaghetti and meatballs to cool to room temperature before even thinking about storage. This helps prevent excess moisture buildup.

2. Divide and Conquer:

If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller, airtight containers. This not only aids in quicker cooling but also makes it easier to grab a serving when hunger strikes.

3. Refrigerator-Friendly Containers:

Use containers that are refrigerator-friendly, ensuring they seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any Odors from infiltrating your delicious creation.

4. Refrigeration Timeline:

Pop the containers into the refrigerator promptly. Your spaghetti and meatballs can retain their Flavors and textures for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Now, when the craving strikes again, let’s bring that spaghetti and meatballs back to life:

  1. Microwave Method:

For a quick fix, use the microwave. Cover your container with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each session, until your meal reaches the desired temperature.

2. Stovetop Excellence:

For those who prefer a bit more finesse, use the stovetop. Reheat your spaghetti and meatballs in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.

3. Oven Reawakening:

If you’re aiming for oven perfection, transfer your spaghetti and meatballs to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent excessive drying and heat at 350°F (175°C) until it’s thoroughly heated.

Final Notes:

  1. Sauce Maintenance:

If you find the sauce has thickened during storage, a splash of water or broth while reheating can help restore its original consistency.

2. Check for Doneness:

Ensure the meatballs are heated through to the center. A quick taste test can confirm that perfect, Savory temperature.

3. Fresh Toppings:

Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and basil after reheating for an extra burst of flavour.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of storage and reheating, go ahead and enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs to the fullest! Buon appetite! 🍝

Yours Favorite recipes

  1. Mediterranean Pasta
  2. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
  3. Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
  4. lemon chicken Pasta
  5. Feta Tomato Pasta

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