Heavenly Homemade Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe For Family Dinner

Crafting a delectable homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each savory bite.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Soft, tender meatballs nestled atop al dente pasta promise a satisfying meal that speaks to the heart.

Marinara sauce simmered slowly adds depth and richness to every forkful.

Simple ingredients combine to create a classic dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a culinary journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs Made Right

• Craft Authentic Italian Flavors: Create a restaurant-quality meal bursting with rich, traditional taste right in your own kitchen, blending ground beef and sausage for deep, complex flavor profiles.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level skills like browning meatballs, creating a perfect tomato sauce, and achieving tender meat through gentle simmering, boosting your culinary confidence.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: Serve a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together, offering a comforting and hearty meal that sparks conversation and creates memorable dining experiences.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, using different meats, or adding personal touches like extra herbs, making it a versatile go-to meal for any mood or occasion.

Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the meatballs.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and traditional Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and provides moisture.

• Bread Pieces: Creates a tender texture and helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to both the meatballs and sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the classic marinara sauce with a bright, tangy flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle herbal note to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning meatballs and sautéing vegetables.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Flour: Used for coating meatballs to create a light, crispy exterior.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the base for this traditional Italian dish.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Prepare Bread Mixture

Tear bread into soft pieces and soak in cold water. Let the bread absorb liquid for a few minutes, then gently mash with a fork until it becomes a mushy consistency.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg
• Mashed bread crumbs

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into round balls, approximately the size of a flattened ice cream scoop.

Lightly dust each meatball with flour, shaking off any excess coating.

Step 4: Brown Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and add cooking oil.

Carefully brown meatballs in two separate batches, rotating to ensure even browning on all sides. Cook for about 6 minutes total, with 2 minutes per side.

Remove browned meatballs and set aside.

Step 5: Develop Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add additional oil if needed.

Saute chopped onions until they become soft and golden, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Incorporate crushed tomatoes and bay leaves into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, ensuring consistent heat and movement.

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Return meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Cover partially and simmer gently for 30 minutes, occasionally turning meatballs.

The sauce will thicken, and meatballs will become tender.

Step 8: Finish Sauce

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh chopped basil.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 9: Cook Pasta

Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta and return to cooking pot.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pour sauce and meatballs over spaghetti, gently tossing to combine.

For an elegant presentation, transfer to a large serving platter. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Meatballs

• Soak bread in cold water to create soft, tender meatballs that hold together perfectly without becoming dense or dry.
• Dust meatballs lightly with flour before browning to create a delicate golden crust and prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
• Brown meatballs first, then use the same skillet for sauce to capture all the delicious browned bits and intensify overall flavor profile.
• Cook meatballs in sauce on low heat for 30 minutes to ensure they remain juicy and tender while allowing sauce to develop rich, deep flavors.
• Add fresh basil in the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and elevate the dish's taste and presentation.

Variations on Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

• Spicy Arrabiata Meatballs: Replace crushed tomatoes with spicy arrabiata sauce and add red pepper flakes to boost heat levels. Incorporate cayenne pepper into meatball mixture for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb. Add mint, oregano, and feta cheese to meatball mixture. Use roasted tomato sauce and garnish with kalamata olives.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Maintain same cooking technique and flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the spaghetti and meatballs. The wine's tannins will cut through the sauce's richness while enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting a French baguette with garlic butter and herbs. The crispy, aromatic bread will soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.

Storing Spaghetti and Meatballs Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep spaghetti and meatballs together in the same container. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Pack cooled spaghetti and meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals remain good for up to 3 months.

Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra sauce to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Why use both bread and water in the meatball mixture?

The bread soaked in water helps bind the meatballs, keeping them moist and tender by adding moisture and preventing the meat from becoming too dense or tough.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the fat content is similar to maintain the meatballs’ texture and flavor.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meatballs should be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Homemade Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory spaghetti and meatballs elevate classic Italian comfort with rich marinara and perfectly seasoned beef. Hearty flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your table, inviting you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (7%-15% fat)
• 1 pound sweet ground italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 56 ounces (1.6 kilograms) crushed tomatoes (from 2 28-ounce cans)
• 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (finely minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 slices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn into pieces
• 2/3 cup cold water
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (to dredge meatballs)
• 3 tablespoons light olive oil (or vegetable oil for sauteing)
• 1 pound spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Soak bread pieces in cold water for 5 minutes, then mash thoroughly with a fork to create a soft, uniform texture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, egg, and bread crumb mixture. Blend ingredients until evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the meat mixture into uniform spheres, approximately the size of a flattened ice cream scoop. Gently coat each meatball with a light dusting of flour, shaking off excess.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with oil. Brown meatballs in two separate batches, rotating to ensure even caramelization (about 6 minutes total). Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
5. In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and golden, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
6. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, introducing bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
7. Reintroduce meatballs to the tomato sauce, partially covering the skillet. Simmer for 30 minutes, periodically turning meatballs to ensure even cooking and sauce absorption.
8. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, incorporate freshly chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
9. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
10. Delicately ladle sauce and meatballs over pasta, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly. Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with additional parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Soak bread in cold water to create a moist, tender texture that helps bind the meatballs without making them dense.
• Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Dredge meatballs in flour to create a light, crispy exterior that seals in moisture and prevents sticking during browning.
• Simmer meatballs slowly in sauce to ensure they remain juicy and absorb rich tomato flavors without becoming tough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 42 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 654 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg