Spaghetti and meatballs—a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of warmth, family, and pure deliciousness. This iconic dish, a staple in countless kitchens worldwide, is surprisingly versatile, adaptable to individual tastes and readily customizable to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. From simple weeknight meals to celebratory feasts, spaghetti and meatballs consistently deliver satisfying flavor and hearty texture. The key, however, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful execution of the recipe.
This article will guide you through creating a truly unforgettable spaghetti and meatballs experience, from crafting a rich and flavorful homemade marinara sauce to perfecting the juicy, tender meatballs themselves. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your spaghetti and meatballs game? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Ice cream scoop
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Platter
Ingredients
- White bread: 3 slices
- Cold water: 2/3 cup
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Sweet Italian sausage: 1 pound
- Egg: 1 large
- Garlic cloves: 1 large, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Flour: null
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 cup, diced
- Crushed tomatoes: 2 (28 ounce) cans
- Bay leaves: 2
- Spaghetti: 1 pound
- Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Remove crusts from bread, dice, and soak in cold water for 5 minutes. Mash with a fork.
- Add ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to the bread mixture. Mix well with your hands.
- Roll mixture into 22 1 1/2-inch meatballs using an ice cream scoop. Dip in flour, tapping off excess.
- In a heavy pot, sauté half the meatballs in olive oil until browned on all sides (about 2 minutes per side). Repeat with remaining meatballs.
Step 2. Make the Marinara Sauce
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions for 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and bay leaves, bring to a light boil. Return meatballs and juices to the pot, submerge, partially cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 5 minutes before sauce is done, add chopped basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3. Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce, ensuring noodles are evenly coated.
- Serve family-style in a large bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Searing the meatballs before simmering seals in juices for extra tenderness.
- Combining ground beef and sweet Italian sausage creates a flavorful meatball.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own?
While you can, homemade marinara offers a depth of flavor that's hard to match. Store-bought can be a time-saver, but the taste difference is significant.
2. What's the secret to juicy meatballs?
Don't overwork the meat! Gently combine ingredients, and use breadcrumbs to help bind them without compacting the mixture. Also, avoid overcooking them.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
Substitute the ground meat with a hearty vegetarian crumbles or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce.
With a little time and effort, you've now mastered the art of creating truly exceptional spaghetti and meatballs. The rich, homemade marinara sauce perfectly complements the juicy, flavorful meatballs, resulting in a dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – savor every delicious bite!