Description
This American-inspired spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a perfect blend of hearty flavors and simple comfort food. Juicy meatballs are paired with a rich, tangy tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g beef mince (ground beef)
- 1 large egg
- 2 slices of white bread (crusts removed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 50g Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 300g spaghetti
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, egg, torn white bread, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined but not overworked.
- Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Toss the spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Mix gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, garnished with extra grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially parsley, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the bread and pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
- For a smoother tomato sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it before adding the meatballs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian