Simple Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make your spaghetti and meatballs. Make sure all your ingredients are halal!

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh is best!)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to cut the acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

For the Spaghetti:

  • 1 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • Water for boiling
  • A pinch of salt

Kitchen Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Saucepan for the sauce
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cooking spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Meatballs

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, your meatballs will cook evenly and get a nice golden color.

  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overdo it; just mix until it’s all blended.

  3. Shape the Meatballs: Grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 12-15 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.

  4. Bake the Meatballs: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check if they’re done by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.

Making the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.

  2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

  3. Combine with Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the sauce. Let them simmer together for another 10 minutes. This step is key because it allows the meatballs to soak up all that delicious tomato flavor.

Cooking the Spaghetti

  1. Boil the Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water; this helps flavor the pasta.

  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  3. Drain the Pasta: When the spaghetti is done, drain it in a colander. You can toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

Putting It All Together

  1. Serve It Up: Now it’s time to plate your delicious spaghetti and meatballs! Place a generous serving of spaghetti on a plate, top it with the meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle some fresh basil on top if you like.

  2. Enjoy: Grab a fork and dig in! This dish is perfect with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

Tips for Success

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
  • Customize Your Meatballs: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chopped bell peppers or

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top