Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many all over the world. It is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, spaghetti and meatballs is sure to impress.

Spaghetti and meatballs is a relatively simple dish to make, but it does require some time and patience to get it just right. The key to a delicious spaghetti and meatballs is the combination of flavorful meatballs and a delicious tomato sauce. The meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of herbs and spices. The sauce is usually made with canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs.

To make spaghetti and meatballs, start by making the meatballs. Mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the meatballs in the oven until they are cooked through and browned.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until they are softened and fragrant. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step-by-step guide to cooking spaghetti and meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to cook this delicious meal.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional ingredients:

  • Spaghetti
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the browned meatballs. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. While the meatballs are cooking in the sauce, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well.
  8. Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce on top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped fresh basil.
  9. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs!
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Gather the ingredients

Before you start cooking spaghetti and meatballs, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient Quantity
Spaghetti 1 pound
Ground beef 1 pound
Bread crumbs 1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup
Milk 1/4 cup
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Egg 1
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Crushed tomatoes 1 can (28 ounces)
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Dried basil 1 teaspoon
Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Prepare the meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

2. Mix the ingredients together until evenly combined.

3. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

6. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the spaghetti

To cook the spaghetti, you will need:

  • Water
  • Salt
  • Spaghetti noodles

1. Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat.

2. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will flavor the pasta as it cooks.

3. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

4. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the spaghetti noodles to the pot. Make sure to submerge them completely.

5. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. To check if the spaghetti is cooked, taste a strand. It should be tender but still slightly firm, known as al dente.

7. Once the spaghetti is done, turn off the heat and carefully drain the noodles in a colander.

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8. Rinse the cooked spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

9. Transfer the drained spaghetti to a serving dish or individual plates.

10. Serve the cooked spaghetti immediately with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, meatballs, or alfredo.

Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti!

Make the marinara sauce

To make a delicious marinara sauce for your spaghetti and meatballs, follow these simple steps:

  1. Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
    • 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
    • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  2. Instructions:
    1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
    2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using) to the saucepan.
    4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
    6. Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

Your marinara sauce is now ready to be served with spaghetti and meatballs. Enjoy!

Cook the meatballs

Once the meatball mixture is prepared, it’s time to cook the meatballs. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and become golden brown on the outside.

Step 2: Shape the meatballs

Take a small amount of the meatball mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. The size can vary depending on your preference, but be sure to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Place on a baking sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Place the shaped meatballs on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 4: Bake in the oven

Put the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. To ensure that they are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

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Step 5: Remove from the oven

Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts or tongs. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking meatballs in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying them in oil. Plus, it’s less messy and requires less hands-on attention. The oven evenly bakes the meatballs, allowing them to cook through without drying out, resulting in juicy and flavorful meatballs.

Ingredients for meatballs:
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Questions and answers

What ingredients do I need for spaghetti and meatballs?

To make spaghetti and meatballs, you will need spaghetti noodles, ground beef or pork, bread crumbs, garlic, onion, eggs, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, and spices like oregano and basil.

How do I cook spaghetti noodles?

To cook spaghetti noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.

How do I make meatballs for spaghetti?

To make meatballs for spaghetti, combine ground beef or pork, bread crumbs, minced garlic, diced onions, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix well and shape into meatballs. Cook the meatballs in a skillet until browned on all sides.

How do I make the tomato sauce for spaghetti and meatballs?

To make the tomato sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan and cook minced garlic and diced onions until softened. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work well with meatballs and sauce. Cook the chosen pasta according to the package instructions and serve with the meatballs and tomato sauce.

What are the ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs?

The ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs typically include ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, black pepper, olive oil, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and spaghetti noodles.