Meatballs In Tomato Sauce With Spaghetti
Meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many people all over the world. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a dinner party with friends. This dish is easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights. In this article, we will show you how to make meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
To make meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to make meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil. Mix well with your hands.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and chopped basil to the skillet and stir well.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the tomato sauce over them.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Top the spaghetti with the meatballs and tomato sauce.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti:
- Instead of ground beef, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey to make the meatballs.
- To make the meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use half the amount called for in the recipe.
- If you like your tomato sauce spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
- You can also add some vegetables to the tomato sauce, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the meatballs and tomato sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce and meatballs in a skillet and cook the spaghetti fresh.
Conclusion
Meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can prepare a hearty and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to impress your guests, meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti is sure to please.
