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Classic Spaghetti With Homemade Meatballs

A comforting Italian dish featuring tender meatballs atop al dente spaghetti, enveloped in a rich marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Large Pot

Ingredients
  

Ingredients Group Label

  • 400 grams Spaghetti Cooked until al dente.
  • 500 grams Ground Beef Lean ground beef for moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • 1 large Egg Used to bind the meatball mixture.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese Grated for added flavor.
  • 1 handful Fresh Parsley Chopped for freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors.
  • to taste Pepper Freshly ground black pepper.
  • 800 grams Canned Crushed Tomatoes Base for the marinara sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend of herbs for flavor.

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  • In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add canned crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  • Add the baked meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

For variations, consider using ground turkey, adding vegetables to the meatball mixture, or experimenting with different cheeses.
Keyword Easy