Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you must have heard about Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti. It's a classic dish that is loved by many and is a staple in most Italian restaurants in the United States. This dish is a perfect combination of meaty, juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti.
The recipe for Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti is not complicated, and you can easily make it at home. The ingredients are readily available, and you don't need any special equipment to make it. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this delicious dish, the ingredients you'll need, how to prepare it, and some tips for a perfect result.
Ingredients
The following are the ingredients you'll need to prepare Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Preparation
Now that you have all the ingredients let's take a look at how to prepare Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes.
- While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and toss with the meatballs and sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Result
Here are some tips to ensure that your Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti turns out perfectly:
- Make sure to combine the meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are well distributed.
- Don't overcook the meatballs or they will become tough and dry.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the sauce.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti or it will become mushy.
- Top the finished dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Macaroni Grill Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It's a perfect combination of meaty, juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti. The recipe is not complicated, and you can easily make it at home with readily available ingredients. Follow the tips above, and you'll have a delicious meal that your family and friends will love.