Kickstart your culinary journey with this classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe that promises to bring a slice of Italian-American comfort right to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of ground beef and pork in the meatballs ensures a juicy and flavorful bite every time.
- Simmering the meatballs in homemade tomato sauce infuses them with rich, tangy flavors that store-bought sauces can’t match.
- Al dente spaghetti provides the perfect texture contrast to the tender meatballs, making each forkful a delight.
- This recipe balances simplicity with depth of flavor, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Tip: For evenly sized meatballs, use a cookie scoop or measure out 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball.
Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked spaghetti with some of the tomato sauce, then top with the meatballs and additional sauce. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra flavor boost, toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the meatball mixture. If you’re short on time, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of browning them on the stove. To make the sauce richer, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Always taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms and lentils for a plant-based version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture or even form and brown the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and simmer in the sauce when ready to serve. This can save you a lot of time on busy weeknights.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
The key to keeping meatballs intact is not overmixing the meat and ensuring the mixture is moist enough. The eggs and breadcrumbs act as binders. Also, chilling the meatballs for 30 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape better.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, both the cooked meatballs and sauce freeze well. Cool them completely before transferring to airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Summary
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti, it’s a timeless comfort food that’s sure to please.
