Description
Classic spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious Italian-American dish that combines flavorful meatballs in a savory marinara sauce served over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are fully combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add marinara sauce. Stir in dried oregano and basil. Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the marinara before adding the meatballs.
- To make the meatballs more tender, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg