How to Make the Perfect Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Italian-American · Easy · 50 min · 6 servings
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a timeless kid friendly dinner that has been satisfying hungry families for generations. Parents love the juicy homemade meatballs and kids love twirling the saucy spaghetti on their forks.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound ground beef 80-20 blend
- 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Roll into 1 and a half inch balls.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes total. They do not need to be cooked through at this point as they will finish in the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through. Meanwhile cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Drain the spaghetti and divide among plates. Spoon the meatballs and sauce generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a leaner meatball that is still tender and delicious
- marinara sauce → homemade tomato sauce simmered with onions and garlic for deeper flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meatball mixture causes tough and dense meatballs that kids will not enjoy
- Cooking the pasta too far in advance causes it to clump together and become sticky
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 30g protein, 62g carbs, 16g fat, 4g fiber.
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