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Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs

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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests. It features tender meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and sugar, to taste
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes to absorb. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16 meatballs. Place them on a plate and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through—they’ll finish in the sauce.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and sugar. Stir well.
  5. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they’re submerged. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Toss the cooked spaghetti with a ladle of sauce to coat. Plate the spaghetti and top with meatballs and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and meatballs a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, Italian recipe, comfort food, pasta dinner

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/ultimate-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-easy-tips-for-perfect-dinner/