Best Homemade Italian Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
Italian cuisine has always been popular worldwide, and one of the most loved dishes is spaghetti and meatballs. This delicious and flavorful dish originated in Italy and has been a staple in Italian households for generations. There are many variations of this recipe, but this article will guide you through the best homemade Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
Ingredients for the Meatballs
For the meatballs, you will need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients for the Sauce
For the sauce, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cooking the Spaghetti
For the spaghetti, you will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce and meatballs. Toss well until the spaghetti is coated with the sauce.
Final Touches
Before serving, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top of the spaghetti and meatballs. Serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Italian meal.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It's a classic Italian dish that everyone will love, and you can always adjust the seasoning and ingredients to your liking. So give this homemade Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal!