By Toni Oliver - 03/09/2025
This classic Italian dish features tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. A perfect comfort food for family dinners.
To prepare the meatballs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes. Return the meatballs to the sauce and let them cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Spaghetti and meatballs is a beloved Italian-American dish that brings families together. With its rich, hearty sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, this meal is synonymous with comfort and tradition. Whether served for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, its flavors are sure to satisfy. The key to a perfect dish is slow-simmering the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
The secret to tender, flavorful meatballs lies in the right balance of ingredients. Using breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the meat, while Parmesan cheese and herbs infuse them with rich taste. Cooking them in sauce instead of just frying ensures they remain moist and soak up the delicious tomato flavors. Browning the meatballs first adds a layer of deep, savory taste that enhances the final dish.
While spaghetti is the classic choice, this dish pairs well with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fettuccine. Using high-quality pasta cooked to al dente perfection helps absorb the sauce better, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Fresh pasta can elevate the dish even further, adding a delicate, silky texture. Regardless of the choice, a good pasta-to-sauce ratio is key to a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ground beef is the most common choice, but a mix of beef and pork provides extra flavor and tenderness. Adding veal can create an even softer texture. Lean meats can be used, but they may result in drier meatballs unless combined with breadcrumbs and eggs.
To keep meatballs from falling apart, ensure you use a proper binding agent like eggs and breadcrumbs. Mixing too much can make them dense, so combine ingredients gently. Chilling the meatballs before cooking can also help them hold their shape better.
Yes, spaghetti and meatballs can be made ahead of time. Store the meatballs and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and meatballs together, and cook fresh pasta for the best texture and flavor.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the sauce and meatballs on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid microwaving the pasta, as it may become mushy; instead, reheat it in hot water.
Yes, meatballs freeze well. Cook them fully, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When needed, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in sauce until fully warmed through.
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