Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a classic Italian-American dish that promises to transport you straight to culinary heaven! This Eating Well's Old Fashioned Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is not just a meal – it's a nostalgic journey of rich flavors, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is your ticket to creating a restaurant-quality dinner right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti, 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides.
- After the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. You can add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, if desired.
- To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, top with meatballs and marinara sauce, and garnish with fresh basil. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if you like.
- Enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned Spaghetti and Meatballs!
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This guarantees they're cooked through without becoming dry.
- Breadcrumb Trick: For extra-tender meatballs, use fresh breadcrumbs or soak dry breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Sauce Simmering: Low and slow is the secret to developing deep, rich flavors. Let your meatballs simmer gently in the marinara sauce to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your spaghetti just until al dente – it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, preventing mushy pasta.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish. Don't skip it!
- Make-Ahead Tip: These meatballs actually taste even better the next day, so don't be afraid to prepare them in advance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 678kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 152mg
