Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy! Our irresistible Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs is not just a meal - it's a love letter to classic Italian comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled on a bed of al dente spaghetti, smothered in rich marinara sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-14 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even browning on all sides. They should develop a golden-brown crust and be mostly cooked through.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs and allow them to absorb sauce flavors.
- While meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Plate the spaghetti, top with meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, offering additional Parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper at the table for individual preference.
Tips
- Mix Gently: When combining meatball ingredients, mix with a light touch. Overworking the meat can make your meatballs tough and dense.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to create evenly sized meatballs. This ensures consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: When browning meatballs, leave space between them. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of creating that delicious golden crust.
- Test for Doneness: Cut a meatball in half to ensure it's cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Pasta Water Trick: Save a little pasta water before draining. If your sauce is too thick, a splash of starchy water can help create a perfect consistency.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Invest in fresh basil for garnishing. The bright, aromatic flavor elevates the entire dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and store for quick future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
