Italian Meatballs & Spaghetti

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce served over tender spaghetti
Italian Meatballs & Spaghetti recipe image

Italian Meatballs & Spaghetti

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 373.5

Description

This classic Italian dish features juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs for a tender texture, while the sauce offers a deep, savory flavor profile with notes of garlic, basil, and oregano. Served over al dente spaghetti, this meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or Sunday suppers. It&# 226;€™s comforting, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender meatballs and robust sauce creates a satisfying dish that pairs well with crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 20 uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  5. While meatballs are baking, heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining chopped onion (if any) and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed whole tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, garlic powder, and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Once meatballs are baked, add them to the simmering sauce. Cover and let simmer for an additional 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  9. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the hot spaghetti. Sprinkle with remaining grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 373.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20.9g33%
Saturated Fat 5.2g26%
Cholesterol 137.4mg46%
Sodium 621.3mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 17.9g6%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 7.5g
Protein 28.9g58%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork for the meatballs.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

You can freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for easy future meals.

Adjust the sugar and salt to taste depending on the acidity of your tomato products.

Keywords: italian, meatballs, spaghetti, beef, tomato sauce, homemade, comfort food, dinner, family meal, easy recipes, ground beef, parmesan, basil, oregano, simmered, pasta dish, weeknight dinner, classic italian, meatball sauce
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