Dreamy Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe: A Cozy Delight

Comfort food reaches new heights with this silky spaghetti and meatballs recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, hearty flavors dance across each perfectly crafted bite of tender meat and al dente pasta.

The secret lies in carefully selected ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Beef and pork blend seamlessly to create juicy, well-seasoned meatballs that melt in your mouth.

Aromatic herbs and a splash of robust red wine elevate this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

Each twirl of spaghetti captures the essence of home-cooked warmth and tradition.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this soul-satisfying meal that brings pure culinary joy to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Ingredient Must-Haves

• Ground Beef: Lean meat adds rich, meaty flavor and protein for substantial texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates tender, light meatball structure.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty depth and helps meatballs hold together.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to prevent meatballs from falling apart.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic, zesty punch to enhance overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced, vibrant flavor development.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs for authentic taste sensation.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright herbal note and visual green appeal.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden-brown sear and contributes subtle fruity undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle for vibrant color and refreshing herbal finish.

Tools To Whip Up Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients and ensuring even mixing.
• Skillet: Essential for browning meatballs evenly and creating delicious caramelization.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients ensure consistent flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix meatball ingredients and stir during cooking.
• Sharp knife: For finely chopping garlic and parsley.

Simple Steps To Make Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Craft Meatball Mixture

Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated for maximum flavor.

• Shape Perfect Spheres

Gently roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls, roughly one inch in diameter. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform meatballs.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, allowing them to cook for 5-7 minutes. Rotate periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior. Once beautifully caramelized, remove meatballs and set aside on a clean plate.

• Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Stir continuously to develop a silky, rich sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.

• Combine and Serve

Return meatballs to the sauce, coating them generously. Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing everything together. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan for a mouthwatering final touch.

Tips For Dreamy Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Perfect Meatball Texture: Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs, using a light touch and stopping just when ingredients are combined.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to develop and saves time during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, ground oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
• Lean Protein Twist: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Baking Alternative: For a healthier cooking method, bake meatballs on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-frying, which reduces added oil and promotes even cooking.

Serve Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Like A Pro

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Serve this classic dish on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves scattered around, creating a warm, inviting centerpiece that screams home-cooked comfort.
• Cheesy Accompaniment Paradise: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top, adding a bright, zesty finish that elevates the creamy spaghetti and perfectly browned meatballs.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce, turning this meal into a complete and satisfying dining experience that everyone will adore.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully balances the creamy sauce and savory meatballs.

Storing Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs The Smart Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, which can last up to 3 months when sealed properly, ensuring a convenient future meal option.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw refrigerated meatballs in the microwave or gently warm in a skillet with additional sauce, maintaining moisture and preventing toughness during the reheating process.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before storing, allowing easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner solutions that save time and reduce food waste.

Silky Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe brings classic Italian comfort to dinner tables worldwide. Hearty pasta, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned meatballs promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Blend Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive mixture forms with uniform consistency.
2. Shape and Sear: Craft compact, evenly-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, then heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating periodically to develop a rich, golden-brown crust and ensure even cooking for 5-7 minutes.
3. Finish and Serve: Once meatballs display a robust caramelized exterior and are completely cooked through, transfer to a holding plate. The perfectly seared spheres are now ready to be incorporated into your chosen sauce or pasta dish, promising a delectable and tender protein centerpiece that brings depth and flavor to the meal.

Notes

• Meat Moisture Management: Use fresh ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20) to ensure meatballs remain juicy and tender without becoming dry or crumbly.
• Consistent Size Technique: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatball sizes, guaranteeing even cooking and professional presentation.
• Binding Ingredient Balance: Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as excessive handling can make meatballs tough; gently combine ingredients just until incorporated to maintain a delicate texture.
• Temperature Control Trick: Allow meatballs to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and prevent cracking during the searing process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg