Italian Meatball Spaghetti

Introduction

Imagine a cozy Italian trattoria on a charming cobblestone street, where the aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic wafts through the air, mingling with the sizzle of savory meatballs. This Italian Meatball Spaghetti recipe is a comforting hug on a plate, combining tender homemade meatballs, al dente spaghetti, and a rich tomato sauce that sings with the flavors of Italy. Let’s dive into the secrets of crafting this classic dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

Origin and History

Italian Meatball Spaghetti is a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, beloved for its rustic charm and hearty flavors. The origins of meatballs, or polpette, can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were created as a way to use up leftover meat and stale bread. Over the centuries, meatballs evolved into a staple of Italian cuisine, with regional variations adding a unique twist to the recipe.

In Italy, meatballs are a symbol of homey comfort food, often served with pasta or nestled in a crusty roll for a delicious sandwich. The combination of tender meatballs and spaghetti bathed in a luscious tomato sauce has become a timeless classic, cherished by families across the country. Whether enjoyed at a bustling trattoria in Rome or a quaint kitchen in Tuscany, Italian Meatball Spaghetti embodies the essence of Italian cooking—simple, flavorful, and made with love.

Ingredients and Flavors

The key to perfect Italian Meatball Spaghetti lies in selecting the finest ingredients and infusing them with layers of flavor. Ground beef and pork mingle with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic garlic to create tender, juicy meatballs bursting with savory goodness. The pasta, whether homemade or store-bought, should be cooked until just al dente, ready to cradle the meatballs and soak up the vibrant tomato sauce.

Speaking of the sauce, a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs simmers slowly on the stove, infusing the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. The sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a symphony of flavors that ties the dish together, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the hearty meatballs. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a shower of Parmesan cheese on top bring a final touch of freshness and richness to this comforting masterpiece.

Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb spaghetti
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain.
8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Notes:

– For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
– Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze for a quick weeknight meal.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
While homemade meatballs are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use pre-made meatballs if you’re short on time. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Indulge in the soul-warming embrace of Italian Meatball Spaghetti, a dish that speaks the language of comfort and joy. With each forkful of tender meatball, twirled spaghetti, and luscious tomato sauce, you’ll taste the essence of Italy on your plate. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of Italian cooking unfold in your kitchen. Buon appetito!

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5 from 1 vote

Italian Meatball Spaghetti

Author: Stephan Hunter

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 380 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Savor the flavors of Italy with this hearty dish perfect for family dinners or cozy date nights.

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground beef (You can also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Breadcrumbs (Preferably use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for a boost of flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated Parmesan works best.)
• 1 large Egg (Helps bind the meatball mixture together.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Finely minced for a robust garlic flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Fresh parsley (Chopped finely for freshness.)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor.)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (For pan-frying the meatballs.)

Spaghetti

• 12 oz Spaghetti pasta (You can use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if desired.)
• 1 tbsp Salt (For seasoning the pasta water.)

Sauce

• 1 can Crushed tomatoes (Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce.)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Dried oregano (Adjust to taste.)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Dried basil (Enhances the Italian flavors.)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Red pepper flakes (Add more for extra heat.)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (For sautéing the sauce.)
• to taste Salt and pepper (Adjust based on personal preference.)

Garnish

• to taste Fresh basil (For a pop of freshness and color.)
• to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (To sprinkle on top before serving.)

Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Mixing the Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   Don't overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

2. Rolling the Meatballs

   Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
   Dampen your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking while rolling.

3. Cooking the Meatballs

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
   You can also bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Making the Sauce and Pasta

1. Preparing the Sauce

   In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
   Adjust the seasoning according to your preference by adding more herbs or spices.

2. Cooking the Pasta

   Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
   Reserving pasta water helps in loosening the sauce if needed.

Assembling the Dish

1. Combining Meatballs, Sauce, and Pasta

   Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Note

• For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Make sure to use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Don't overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
• To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
• These meatballs freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them for later use.
• Serve the meatballs and spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Keywords: Italian, Meatball, Spaghetti, Comfort Food, Family Dinner

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