This spaghetti and meatballs recipe features tender, juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over spaghetti with parmesan and basil. It is classic comfort food that the whole family loves. Interestingly, the dish is an Italian-American creation. For example, a pasta and meatballs recipe appeared in an American cookbook as early as 1888, yet the combination is still “practically unheard-of” in Italy (Wikipedia).
Key Takeaways
- A panade of bread and milk keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
- Browning the meatballs first adds deep flavor to the sauce.
- Meatballs freeze well, so you can make a double batch.
Why You Will Love Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Family-friendly: Indeed, kids and adults both love it.
- Juicy meatballs: Moreover, the panade keeps them tender.
- Make-ahead: Similarly, the sauce and meatballs reheat beautifully.
- Budget-friendly: Above all, it uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Ingredients
- Ground beef: Ideally, use 80/20 for juicy meatballs.
- Bread and milk: Together, they form the panade.
- Egg, parmesan, garlic, and parsley: In addition, they bind and season the mix.
- Tomato sauce: Specifically, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and basil.
- Spaghetti: Finally, cooked just until al dente.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post. Meanwhile, here is the method.
1. Make the panade. First, soak torn bread in milk for 5 minutes, then mash it.
2. Shape the meatballs. Next, gently mix the beef, panade, egg, parmesan, garlic, parsley, and seasoning. Then roll into 1.5-inch balls.
3. Brown. After that, brown the meatballs in olive oil on all sides, then remove them.
4. Simmer. Finally, make the sauce in the same pot, return the meatballs, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over spaghetti.
Tips for Tender Meatballs
- Do not overmix. Otherwise, the meatballs turn dense and tough.
- Wet your hands. In fact, damp hands make rolling easier.
- Brown, then simmer. That way, they stay tender while absorbing the sauce.
- Bake instead. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F for 18 minutes before simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze spaghetti and meatballs?
Yes. Freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. However, cook the spaghetti fresh when serving.
Can I use other meats?
Of course. For example, a mix of beef and lamb, or ground turkey, works well.
Why are my meatballs falling apart?
Usually, the mixture is too wet. Therefore, add a spoonful of breadcrumbs and chill the meatballs before cooking.
Final Thoughts
In short, spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate comfort meal. It is hearty, saucy, and perfect for family dinners.
For more classics, try our beef lasagna or our spaghetti carbonara.
AuthorEmma food bloggerDifficultyIntermediateJuicy beef meatballs made with a bread and milk panade, browned and simmered in tomato sauce, served over spaghetti. Serves 6.
Meatballs
Sauce
To Serve
Make the panade. Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes, then mash into a paste.
Mix. Gently combine the beef, panade, egg, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
Shape. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs with damp hands.
Brown. Brown the meatballs in olive oil on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove.
Make the sauce. In the same pot, cook the onion 5 minutes, add garlic, then the tomatoes and salt. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer. Return the meatballs and simmer covered 20 minutes. Stir in basil.
Serve. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Serve topped with sauce, meatballs, and parmesan.
6 servings
1 plate
- Amount per serving
- Calories735
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29g38%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 117mg39%
- Sodium 1000mg44%
- Total Carbohydrate 70g26%
- Dietary Fiber 5g18%
- Total Sugars 7g
- Protein 41g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
Meatballs
Sauce
To Serve
Sources
- Wikipedia, Italian-American pasta dish: history
