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Spaghetti And Meatball Recipe

This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe features tender meatballs served over al dente spaghetti, all topped with a rich homemade marinara sauce. It's a comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 skillet or frying pan
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 baking tray (optional)
  • 1 cooking spoon
  • 1 large pot for sauce
  • 1 colander for draining pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 each egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced for sauce
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if roasting the meatballs.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, place the meatballs on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
  • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and allow to simmer for another 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain using a colander.
  • Serve the spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs; cook in batches if necessary.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
This dish goes well with a side salad or garlic bread.