Description
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is a classic, comforting dish combining tender, juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This family-friendly recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, and adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 28 oz (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Additional olive oil for browning meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden brown to lock in flavor and texture.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to build depth and richness.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Carefully add the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook through for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce and meatballs, or serve the meatballs and sauce plated alongside the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use a blend of ground beef and pork for tender and flavorful meatballs.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
- Brown meatballs well to seal juices and develop a tasty crust.
- Simmer meatballs gently in the sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Reserve some pasta water to bind the sauce and spaghetti if needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg