Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic Italian dish, this homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe features rich flavors and hearty ingredients for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results.
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs Can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated cheese is preferred.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped Fresh parsley is recommended.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust based on your taste preference.
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 can Canned crushed tomatoes You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Adjust based on your flavor preference.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For browning the meatballs and sautéing the onion.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
For the Spaghetti
- 12 oz Spaghetti Use traditional or whole wheat spaghetti.
- 1 pinch Salt For boiling water.
Instructions
Cooking the Spaghetti
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into round meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Browning the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Onion
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Add canned crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the onion. Stir and bring to a simmer; cook for about 10 minutes.
Combining Meatballs and Sauce
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and cook in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.
Serving the Dish
- Serve spaghetti on plates topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, don't skip browning the meatballs. You can also experiment with different herbs.