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Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Rich, comforting, and timeless—this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in homemade marinara sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s the ultimate Italian-American comfort food.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • For the Marinara Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For Serving:
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Grated Parmesan, for topping
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined and form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. Brown the meatballs in a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.
  5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Form and freeze meatballs raw or cooked for convenience.
  • For extra moisture, soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding to the meatball mix.
  • Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/spaghetti-and-meatballs/