Prepare to transport yourself to an Italian kitchen where tradition meets pure culinary magic! Our Old Fashioned Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe isn't just a meal—it's a nostalgic embrace of flavors that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that has been warming hearts and filling stomachs for generations, with a recipe so delicious it might just become your new weekend favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper, and gently mix ingredients until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Use slightly wet hands to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, round shapes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are evenly browned and develop a rich, golden exterior, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through completely and absorb sauce flavors.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain cooked spaghetti in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Return pasta to pot and toss with a small amount of sauce to prevent sticking.
- Plate the spaghetti, top with meatballs and additional marinara sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly cool.
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the meat from sticking and ensure smooth, uniform shapes.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture—this can make your meatballs tough instead of tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Reserve a little pasta water when draining—it can help create a silkier sauce if needed.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to your meat mixture.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best possible taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 535kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 112mg
