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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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