Print

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty classic Italian dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This family-friendly recipe is simple to prepare, uses budget-friendly pantry staples, and is adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form and brown the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes; they don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
  3. Sauté garlic and onions for the sauce: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent to build a robust flavor base for the sauce.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in canned crushed tomatoes, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes to thicken and develop depth.
  5. Simmer meatballs in the sauce: Nestle the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
  6. Cook the spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Plate a generous portion of spaghetti, ladle the meatballs and tomato sauce over the top, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for garnish.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the sauce and garnish just before serving.
  • Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds flavor and texture.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer enough to thicken and deepen its flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
  • Make uniform-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, tomato sauce, Italian, family meal, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/spaghetti-and-meatballs-with-tomato-sauce/