Ah, spaghetti and meatballs—it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a plate. Just like watching a rerun of your favorite TV show, there’s something incredibly comforting about twirling those noodles around your fork, topped with succulent meatballs swimming in a marinara sauce that’s as rich in flavor as a sunset over Rome. You know, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria, without ever leaving your kitchen—delicious chaos, really.
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and cover the pasta in the pot to keep warm.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix using your hands until the ingredients are evenly combined and moist. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce until it thickens, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the spaghetti noodles topped with the meatballs and sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles (cooked to al dente)
- Lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh garlic (grated)
- Chopped parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
FAQ
- How can I stop my spaghetti from sticking together?
- To prevent spaghetti from sticking, cook it in a generous amount of salted boiling water and stir occasionally. If you’re not immediately mixing it with sauce after draining, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to keep the strands separate.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover spaghetti and meatballs without drying them out?
- The ideal method is to gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, covering the dish and adding a little extra sauce to keep it moist.
- How do I ensure my meatballs stay intact while cooking?
- A proper mix of ingredients is crucial to keeping meatballs from falling apart. Use an egg and breadcrumbs as binders and don’t skip the searing step; it helps set the meatballs before they finish cooking in the sauce.
- Can I substitute ground beef with other meats in the recipe?
- Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, mashed chickpeas or plant-based ground meat substitutes are good choices.
- What are some options for making the recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
- For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta and substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs. To make it dairy-free, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Tips
- Select the Right Meat: Opt for ground beef that’s 85-90% lean. This ensures your meatballs remain juicy and flavorful without becoming overly greasy.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Boil the spaghetti until it reaches an al dente texture. This allows it to absorb more sauce and maintain the ideal texture when mixed together.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Before adding the noodles, taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling the spaghetti.
- Deep Skillet – For cooking the meatballs and simmering in the marinara sauce.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the meatball ingredients.
- Meatball Scoop or Tongs – For forming and handling meatballs.
- Airtight Food Storage Containers – For storing leftovers.
