Classic Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings together perfectly seasoned meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and al dente pasta topped with melted mozzarella cheese. A hearty and satisfying dinner that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of authentic Italian-American cuisine.

Key Recipe Features

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
2. Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Brown meatballs on all sides until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the meatballs back to the sauce.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.

Assembly:

1. While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Place spaghetti on a large serving platter or individual plates.
4. Top with meatballs and sauce.
5. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
6. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped green onions.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• For the juiciest meatballs, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to ensure tender meatballs
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed
• Let the sauce simmer on low heat to develop deep flavors

Storage and Reheating

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the sauce and warm gently over medium-low heat. The meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 5g

Enjoy this comforting classic that brings together the best of Italian-American cuisine. The combination of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta topped with melted cheese creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Notes

All ingredients used in this recipe are halal-friendly. However, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your dietary preferences and needs.