spaghetti meatballs

Spaghetti meatballs is a comforting dish with hearty meatballs nestled in rich marinara sauce, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma. The tender spaghetti complements the juicy meatballs, creating a satisfying meal.

You can definitely make this dish at home. It’s simple and forgiving, so don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect. Just enjoy the process and have fun!

Why This Recipe Works

This spaghetti meatballs recipe balances the rich flavors of ground beef and pork with seasoned breadcrumbs, creating tender meatballs. Baking them ensures they develop a nice crust while keeping moisture inside. The homemade marinara sauce, simmered with fresh ingredients, complements the pasta perfectly, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish. Next, let’s explore each step in detail to ensure your success.

Now that we’ve highlighted what makes this recipe shine, let’s move on to the preparation steps for your spaghetti meatballs.

Essential Ingredients

To create the perfect spaghetti meatballs, gather these essential ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal.

• 1 lb ground beef: Use 80% lean for the best flavor and tenderness in your meatballs.
• ½ lb ground pork: This adds moisture and richness, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Preferably Italian seasoned to infuse more flavor into your meatballs.
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for a cheesy depth that complements the meatballs beautifully.
• 1 large egg: Ensure it’s at room temperature to help bind the ingredients together effectively.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic will provide aromatic flavor; adjust according to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; feel free to use dried if needed.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for optimal flavor; feel free to add more if you enjoy spice.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional ingredient for those who like a little heat in their meatballs.
• 2 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, enhances the marinara sauce’s richness and flavor profile.
• 1 medium onion: Finely chopped to build a flavorful base for the marinara sauce.
• 1 can crushed tomatoes: A 28 oz can provides a rich, saucy foundation for your dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that enhances the sauce’s flavor; fresh is great if available.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet aroma and depth; opt for fresh basil when possible for more vibrancy.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly; crucial for a mellow sauce taste.
• ¼ cup fresh basil: Reserved for garnish, it adds a fresh touch right before serving.
• 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta type; spaghetti is classic and works well with this dish.
• 1 tablespoon salt: For seasoning pasta water, enhances the noodles’ flavor during cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

With the right ingredients in place, let's move on to the essential steps for crafting these delightful spaghetti meatballs.

Step-by-Step Method

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs develop a nice crust while cooking evenly. You want them to be flavorful and juicy, not dry.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined; be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatballs tough.

Next, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They should be round and uniform in size for even cooking. Once they’re all shaped, pop them into the preheated oven.

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you can smell it.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to create your marinara sauce. Bring it to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally to blend the flavors together.

As your meatballs finish baking and your sauce simmers away happily on the stove, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining so you can adjust the sauce later if needed.

Once everything is ready, add your baked meatballs to the marinara sauce and stir gently to coat them well. If the sauce seems too thick, use some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, serve this delicious mix over spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil for a lovely finish.

Now that you have mastered this step-by-step method for spaghetti meatballs, let's explore some great tips for serving this classic dish!

Troubleshooting (If Something Goes Wrong)

If your meatballs are dry, ensure you’re using the specified ground beef and pork mix for moisture. If your marinara sauce is too acidic, a bit more sugar can help balance the flavors. Lastly, if the spaghetti is overcooked, remember to monitor it closely next time for that perfect al dente texture. Mistakes happen, but they're easily fixable! Now let’s explore how to serve your spaghetti meatballs beautifully.

Variations You’ll Actually Want to Try

For a twist on classic spaghetti meatballs, consider adding finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra veggies. You could also swap half the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, try adding diced bell peppers to the marinara sauce. These variations can easily be adjusted to your taste. Next, let's explore some tips for perfecting your cooking technique!

Now that you’ve got some flavor options, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making these spaghetti meatballs.

FAQ

How long can I store leftover spaghetti meatballs in the fridge?

Leftover spaghetti meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze spaghetti meatballs for later use?

Yes, you can freeze spaghetti meatballs. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for ground pork in spaghetti meatballs?

You can substitute ground pork with additional ground beef or turkey for a leaner option.

These tips will help ensure your spaghetti meatballs remain delicious even after cooking.