Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
If you're someone who loves a hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, Italian spaghetti and meatballs is the answer. It’s a dish that’s loved by all ages, making it a perfect go-to for a casual weeknight meal or a special Sunday dinner. Plus, the best part is that you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or hands
- Baking Sheet
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Pot
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Sauce:
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to cut the acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- Salt for water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until everything is fully combined (you can use your hands for this!).
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them into the sauce.
- Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Serve:
- Place a generous portion of spaghetti on each plate.
- Top with meatballs and ladle some sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving - Approximation)
- Calories: 550-600 kcal
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55-60 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugar: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-90 mg
- Sodium: 900-1,000 mg
- Calcium: 150-200 mg
- Iron: 2-3 mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.