Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs: A Timeless Comfort Food Favorite! 🍝🥩🍅🌿
Spaghetti and meatballs – a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and the simple pleasure of a satisfying meal. This classic recipe features tender, flavorful homemade meatballs simmered in a rich and savory marinara sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Garnished with fragrant fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, this is a dish that brings families together and satisfies cravings every single time.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (the foundation of our hearty meatballs)
½ cup breadcrumbs (helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth)
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (brings a fresh, herbaceous note)
2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for aromatic flavor)
1 large egg (acts as a binder for the meatballs)
Salt and pepper to taste (to enhance all the delicious flavors)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
24 oz (680g) marinara sauce (the rich and flavorful tomato base)
12 oz (340g) spaghetti (the perfect pasta partner)
Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving and extra cheesy goodness)
Fresh basil leaves (for a fragrant and vibrant garnish)
Let’s Cook Up Some Comfort!
Step 1: Craft the Flavorful Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and large egg.
Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Tender Morsels
Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them between your palms to form round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Step 3: Brown for Flavor and Texture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably one with high sides that can later accommodate the sauce) over medium heat.
Carefully add the meatballs to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to brown them in batches.
Cook the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned. This step adds a delicious crust and enhances the flavor. It should take about 8-10 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be cooked through at this point.
Step 4: Simmer in Savory Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through completely and absorb the rich flavors of the marinara sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Perfect Pasta
While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use plenty of water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches “al dente” – meaning it’s cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand and thickness of the spaghetti.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well in a colander.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish with Love
Divide the cooked spaghetti among individual serving plates or a large serving bowl.
Spoon a generous amount of the meatballs and marinara sauce over the spaghetti.
Garnish each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and vibrant touch.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs!
Serve immediately and savor the comforting and delicious flavors of this timeless dish!
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti & Meatballs:
Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use Quality Ground Beef: Ground beef with some fat (around 80/20) will result in more tender and flavorful meatballs.
Fresh Garlic and Parsley: Using fresh garlic and parsley makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Simmering is Key: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce not only cooks them through but also infuses them with the sauce’s flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
Salt Your Pasta Water: Salting the water adds flavor to the spaghetti as it cooks.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Al dente pasta has a better texture and holds up well to the sauce.
Warm the Sauce Separately (Optional): If you’re making a large batch, you can cook the meatballs and sauce separately from the pasta and combine them just before serving.
Variations for Your Culinary Creativity:
Add Onions and Garlic to the Sauce: Sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the marinara sauce for a deeper flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a little heat.
Use Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme in the meatballs or as a garnish.
Add Cheese to the Meatballs: Incorporate a small amount of shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese into the meatball mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
Bake the Meatballs: Instead of browning them in a skillet, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, and then add them to the simmering sauce.
Spaghetti and meatballs is a dish that’s loved by people of all ages. This recipe provides a solid foundation for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors! 🍝🥩🍅🌿😊