Savor the rich flavors of Italy with our Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. This timeless dish combines tender, juicy meatballs in a robust tomato sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a simple, yet profoundly satisfying meal that's sure to bring the warmth and joy of Italian cuisine to your table.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 6 people.
- Each serving includes a generous portion of spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef: 450 g (1 lb)
- Ground pork: 450 g (1 lb)
- Breadcrumbs: 100 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Eggs: 2
- Milk: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
For the Sauce
- Canned tomatoes, crushed: 800 g (28 oz)
- Onion, chopped: 1 medium
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Sugar: 1 tsp (optional)
- Fresh basil: a handful
For the Spaghetti
- Spaghetti: 450 g (1 lb)
- Salt: for pasta water
Method of Preparation
Make the Meatballs
- Combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet, then set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for softer, more tender meatballs.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor in the meatballs.
- Fresh basil added at the end of cooking the sauce brings a burst of freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and even freeze them for later use.
How can I prevent my spaghetti from sticking together?
Stir the spaghetti occasionally while cooking and use plenty of water.
Can I substitute the meats in the meatballs?
Absolutely. You can use all beef, or even turkey or chicken for a lighter version.