Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless dish loved by people of all ages. This recipe focuses on creating a rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, resulting in a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Form meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add meatballs: Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Cooking the Spaghetti:
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti: Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss to coat.
Serving:
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For richer meatballs: Add a tablespoon of grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the meatball mixture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Add vegetables: Include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs can also be browned ahead and added to the sauce when ready to serve.
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
