Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
User Reviews
5
1,117 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
8 (2-3 meatballs per serving)
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Calories
696 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe features meatballs made from a mix of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage combined with soaked white bread and Parmesan. The meatballs are browned before simmering in a herb-seasoned tomato sauce, served over classic spaghetti for a rich, comforting meal.
Description
The meatball mixture combines ground beef, Italian sausage, soaked white bread, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings bound with an egg then dredged lightly in flour. They are sautéed until browned on all sides but remain juicy inside. The sauce is prepared in the same pan by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding crushed tomatoes, basil, and optional bay leaves for flavor.
The final dish includes tender spaghetti, topped with meatballs simmered in the tomato sauce until cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld. Parmesan cheese can be added on serving for additional savoriness.
Basil in the sauce is optional if already present in the canned tomatoes. This meal is suitable for a hearty dinner and can be prepared mostly from scratch using common pantry ingredients.
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Ingredients
Ingredients for Meatballs (makes 22-23 meatballs):
- 3 lices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn to pieces
- 2/3 cup water cold
- 1 lb ground beef 7%-15% fat, lean
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed, sweet ground
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more to serve, grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg large
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour to dredge meatballs
- 3 Tbsp olive oil or use vegetable oil, light, to sauté
Ingredients for Sauce:
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (from 2 - 28 oz cans)
- 2 bay leaf optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp basil finely minced*
Other Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
How to Make the Best Italian Meatballs:
- Combine bread pieces with 2/3 cup water and set aside 5 min then mash with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl add: 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb sausage, 1/4 cup parmesan, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 egg and mashed bread crumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Form into 1 1/2" meatballs (about a flat ice cream scoop of meat). Dredge/roll meatballs in flour, dusting off excess. Heat a deep, large, heavy skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat with about 3 Tbsp oil. Add meatballs in 2 batches without crowding the pan and saute until browned on all sides (about 6 min total or 2 min per side). Remove meatballs and set aside (don't worry about cooking through at this point).
How to Make Easy Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add more oil if needed and saute 1 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (5 min). Add 4 cloves minced garlic and stir 1-2 min until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a light boil (stir to make sure it's actually boiling and not just sending bubbles to the surface).
- Add meatballs back into the pan with tomato sauce, partially cover with lid or cover with a splatter screen to reduce splatter and cook at a gentle simmer for 30 min, turning the meatballs occasionally. Meatballs will be tender and sauce will be thickened. Five minutes before sauce is done, stir in chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until aldente (or to desired doneness), drain and return to the empty pot.
- Pour sauce and meatballs over spaghetti and toss gently to combine. To serve family-style, transfer to a large platter, garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Basil is optional if the canned crushed tomatoes already contain basil.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
696kcal
(35%)
Carbs
73g
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Cholesterol
101mg
(34%)
Sodium
1112mg
(46%)
Potassium
1110mg
(24%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
11g
(22%)
Vitamin A
520IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
21.5mg
(24%)
Calcium
167mg
(17%)
Iron
6.4mg
(36%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8(2-3 meatballs per serving)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 696 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 696kcal | 35% |
| Carbs | 73g | |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1112mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 1110mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 520IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 21.5mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 167mg | 17% |
| Iron | 6.4mg | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
1,117 reviews
Excellent
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