Spaghetti and Meatballs
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
635 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Description
Spaghetti and Meatballs features a mixture of lean ground beef and Italian sausage combined with Italian seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh basil and parsley, oregano, eggs, salt, and pepper. After forming into two-inch meatballs, they are browned in olive oil to develop a crispy surface then baked to ensure thorough cooking without drying out. The pasta is cooked separately to al dente and combined with the meatballs in marinara sauce, which ties all components together with acidity and warmth. This multi-step cooking approach lets the meatballs develop a browned crust while staying juicy internally.
The meatballs have a savory, herb-infused flavor enhanced by Parmesan and garlic, while the marinara sauce adds moisture and tang that complements the richness of the meats. The spaghetti provides a familiar tender base that holds sauce and meatball slices well. This meal is suitable for a main course dinner that balances protein, herbs, and carbohydrates.
Using your preferred marinara sauce—whether slow cooker, homemade easy, or store-bought—works well for finishing the dish. The recipe suggests gently reheating the meatballs in sauce to meld flavors before serving. Parmesan cheese and fresh basil garnishes can be added optionally to enhance flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon basil finely chopped, fresh
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 egg beaten, large
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- marinara sauce for serving
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Parmesan Cheese for garnish, if desired, fresh
- basil for garnish, if desired, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, add beef, sausage, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, herbs, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir together until combined. Roll meat mixture into 2-inch sized meatballs.
- In a large, heavy pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add meatballs in batches. Do not crowd. Brown well on bottoms before turning or meatballs will break apart. Continue cooking until browned all over. Remove meatballs to a plate that has been lined with paper towels, as each batch is finished.
- Place meatballs on a large baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked all the way through. Remove from oven.
- Place a large pot of water on to boil for spaghetti. When it boils, add salt and pasta and cook to al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, put meatballs in a large pot and cover with your favorite marinara sauce. Heat over medium-low heat.
- When the spaghetti is done cooking, drain and place in a large serving bowl. Top with meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute with your choice of marinara sauce: slow cooker, easy homemade, or store-bought sauce all work well.
- Baking the meatballs after browning ensures full cooking while maintaining juiciness.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 635 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 635kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 124mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 927mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 531mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 140IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 137mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3.9mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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