Grab For Eats Greetings, fellow food aficionados! Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the ultimate comfort cuisine: spaghetti and meatballs. This timeless duo isn’t just about flavors; it’s a symphony of satisfaction, warmth, and the promise of a truly fulfilling dining experience.
Imagine strands of al dente spaghetti elegantly coated in a luscious tomato sauce, simmering with aromatic herbs and spices. Then, picture plump, succulent meatballs nestled amongst the noodles, each one bursting with savory goodness. Are you feeling the cravings yet?
What sets spaghetti and meatballs apart? It’s not just about the taste (though that’s undeniably a huge part of it). There’s a comforting ritual in swirling spaghetti around your fork, inhaling the tantalizing aroma of the simmering sauce, and savoring each hearty bite.
Now, you might wonder, why bother making it at home when you can easily order in? Well, my friend, homemade spaghetti and meatballs offer a culinary experience unlike any other. You have full control over ingredients and seasoning, plus the pride of crafting something delightful from scratch.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey that’ll tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul, look no further. Prepare to channel your inner Italian nonna and whip up a batch of spaghetti and meatballs that’ll leave you yearning for seconds. Once you’ve savored the homemade magic of spaghetti and meatballs, there’s no turning back. Let’s start cooking!
Key Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Ground beef (or Meatloaf mix): Provides the base for flavorful meatballs.
- Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together.
- Fresh Basil and Parsley: Infuse the meatballs with aromatic freshness.
- Dried Oregano: Adds earthy notes to the meatballs.
- Garlic: Introduces savory depth.
- Water: Keeps the meatballs moist.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder and add texture.
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Enhances richness and umami.
- Marinara sauce: Brings robust tomato flavor and coats the meatballs.
- Sugar: Balances the sauce’s acidity.
- Spaghetti: The canvas for this delightful dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: adds a tangy note to the flavor
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
Step 1 – Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2 – Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and water. Add meat, breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Mix gently.
Step 3 – Shape Meatballs: Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 4 – Bake Meatballs: Bake for 10 minutes, turn them, and bake for another 10 minutes until browned and almost cooked through.
Step 5 – Simmer Sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a large skillet. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6 – Add Meatballs: Transfer browned meatballs to the sauce, leaving fat behind. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 7 – Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
Step 8 – Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce and meatballs.
Step 9 – Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Useful Tools to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
To prepare Spaghetti and Meatballs, you will need the following kitchen supplies:
Cooking Utensils
- Large mixing bowl: For combining meatball ingredients.
- Baking sheet: To bake meatballs in the oven.
- Large skillet: For simmering marinara sauce and cooking meatballs.
- Large pot: To cook spaghetti.
- Colander: For draining cooked spaghetti.
Safety Equipment
- Oven mitts: To protect your hands when handling the hot baking sheet, pots and pans.
- Apron: To protect your clothes from any potential splashes or spills.
Savoury Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl for combining meatball ingredients.
- 1 Baking sheet to bake meatballs in the oven.
- 1 Large skillet for simmering marinara sauce and cooking meatballs.
- 1 Large pot to cook the spaghetti.
- 1 Colander for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a blend of beef, veal, and pork for extra flavor
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh basil finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
For the Sauce:
- 24 oz good-quality marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 pinch sugar to balance acidity
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and water. Add meat, breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Mix gently.
- Shape meatballs: Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Bake for 10 minutes, turn them, and bake for another 10 minutes until browned and almost cooked through.
- Simmer sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a large skillet. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add meatballs to sauce: Transfer browned meatballs to the sauce, leaving fat behind. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce and meatballs.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
And that’s it! Delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs right in your own kitchen. A great dish for kids, other family, friends, or anyone else. Serve hot and enjoy!
