Description
This classic Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe features tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. A comforting and satisfying Italian-American dish that's perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Remove the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and add the bay leaf. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the pot with the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with a generous scoop of meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce while simmering.
- To make the meatballs more tender, do not overmix the meat mixture.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
