How to Make the Perfect Mini Meatball Spaghetti
Italian American · Medium · 45 min · 5 servings
Tiny tender beef meatballs nestle into a sweet homemade tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Kids love twirling the noodles and popping the little meatballs which makes dinner an adventure.
Why this recipe works
This Mini Meatball Spaghetti recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g spaghetti
- 500 g ground beef
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 whole egg
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Form the Mini Meatballs
Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, half the garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and roll into small walnut sized balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for about 6 minutes total, turning occasionally, then set aside.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet cook remaining garlic for 30 seconds, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, a pinch of sugar, and simmer for 10 minutes before adding meatballs back in.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Serve
Cook spaghetti according to package directions in heavily salted boiling water. Drain, toss with the meatball sauce, and serve with grated parmesan if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a leaner option
- spaghetti → linguine or bucatini
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meatball mixture which makes them dense and tough
- Crowding the pan when browning meatballs which causes them to steam instead of sear
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 28g protein, 58g carbs, 17g fat, 5g fiber.
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