Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

The origins of spaghetti and meatballs can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Italian immigrants began settling in cities like New York and Chicago. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions and adapted them to the ingredients available in their new home country.

In Italy, pasta is typically served as a separate course from the meatballs, but in America, the two were combined to create a hearty and satisfying dish. The dish became popular among Italian-American communities and eventually found its way onto restaurant menus across the country.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 People

Calories 786 kcal

Spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many households around the world.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Cast Iron Skillet
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

123

• ▢ 1 lb Ground beef
• ▢ ½ cup Breadcrumbs
• ▢ ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ ¼ cup Chopped fresh parsley
• ▢ ¼ cup Milk
• ▢ 1 Egg
• ▢ 2 cloved Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried oregano
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 1 lb Spaghetti
• ▢ 2 cups Marinara sauce
• ▢ Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs! You should be able to make around 20 meatballs.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are "half way cooked through", all the fat have drained and that they are slightly browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside for the next step...
• While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the spaghetti and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. (I usually use unsalted butter instead)
• In a skillet, add the marinara sauce with some of your favorite spiced (This is in addition to the recipe, I haven't included "more" spices above everyone prefers their sauce a certain way with certain flavors; I usually add: ½ tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato sauce IF it's a bit tart) and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until everything is cooked through.
• Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shredded parmesan cheese!
• Enjoy!

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips for Perfecting Your Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more flavorful meatball.
• Make sure to season the meat mixture well with salt and pepper.
• Don't overmix the meat mixture as it can result in tough meatballs.
• Cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the marinara sauce before adding the meatballs.
• Taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed before adding the meatballs.

Nutrition

Serving: 496 gCalories: 786 kcalCarbohydrates: 97 gProtein: 33 gFat: 29 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.4 gMonounsaturated Fat: 11 gCholesterol: 76 mgSugar: 12 g

Keyword Meatballs, Spaghetti, Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tried this recipe? Mention @KitchenChaosUnlocked or tag #KitchenChaosUnlocked!

Variations and Customizations of Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Meatballs: Use a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs to create vegetarian meatballs.
3. Spicy Meatballs: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.
4. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Make a small indentation in each meatball and insert a cube of mozzarella cheese before cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes for Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some delicious side dishes to complement the flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Serve some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
• Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is the perfect light accompaniment.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil over the spaghetti and meatballs for an extra burst of flavor.

Healthier Alternatives for Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs, here are a few options to consider:

1. Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute whole wheat spaghetti for the regular pasta to increase the fiber content.
2. Lean Meat: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
3. Zucchini Noodles: Replace the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
4. Quinoa Meatballs: Use cooked quinoa instead of breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together.

Remember to choose a low-sodium marinara sauce or make your own to control the amount of salt in the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti and Meatballs

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs? A: Yes, you can freeze the meatballs after they have been cooked. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the marinara sauce.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine. However, making your own marinara sauce allows you to control the flavors and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: While spaghetti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Linguini, fettuccine, or penne are all great alternatives.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s no wonder that it has become a favorite in households around the world. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.

Remember to take your time when making the meatballs, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and seasonings. This dish is all about making it your own and enjoying the process. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – spaghetti and meatballs.