Real Meatballs And Spaghetti Ina Garten
If you’re looking for a delicious, classic Italian dish, you can’t go wrong with meatballs and spaghetti. While there are many different ways to prepare this dish, few recipes are as beloved as Ina Garten’s version. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Ina Garten’s meatballs and spaghetti so special, and how you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen.
What Makes Ina Garten’s Meatballs So Special?
Ina Garten’s meatballs are the perfect combination of tender, flavorful meat and savory spices. What sets her recipe apart from others is the addition of two key ingredients: ricotta cheese and breadcrumbs. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture to the meatballs, while the breadcrumbs help to bind everything together and give the meatballs a slightly crisp exterior.
Another key component of Ina Garten’s meatballs is the use of both ground beef and ground pork. By using both types of meat, the meatballs have a richer, more complex flavor than if you were to use just one type of meat. Additionally, Garten recommends using a mixture of fresh herbs, including parsley and basil, to give the meatballs a fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Meatballs and Spaghetti
Now that you know what makes Ina Garten’s meatballs so special, you’re probably wondering how to make them yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Ina Garten’s meatballs and spaghetti:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, garlic, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs that are about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- When the spaghetti is done cooking, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the meatballs and sauce.
- Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce and the meatballs are evenly distributed throughout.
- Serve the meatballs and spaghetti hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s meatballs and spaghetti are a classic Italian dish that are sure to please any crowd. By using a combination of ground beef and pork, ricotta cheese, and breadcrumbs, Garten creates meatballs that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. When paired with a hearty marinara sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion.