Teresa's Recipes
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Dive into the comforting embrace of Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, a quintessential dish that captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine. This recipe features succulent, homemade meatballs crafted from a perfect blend of ground beef and seasoned breadcrumbs, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic and fragrant basil. Each bite is a delightful harmony of flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Originating in Italy and gaining popularity in America, this dish evokes nostalgia, warmth, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1, beaten Egg
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 28 ounces, crushed or pureed Tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 ounces Spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 60g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, and half of the chopped onion. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and chopped basil, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let them simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, plate the spaghetti and generously top with the meatballs and rich tomato sauce. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- You can also substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- If you have leftovers, the meatballs make a delicious sandwich filling the next day!