Mom's Ricotta Meatballs And Spaghetti Macaroni Grill
Mom's Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti Macaroni Grill is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with al dente spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped basil.
8. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package directions.
9. Drain the spaghetti and divide it among four plates. Top each plate of spaghetti with meatballs and sauce. Serve immediately.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this classic Italian dish to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground pork or a combination of ground pork and beef instead of just beef for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Top the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes instead of spaghetti.
Conclusion
Mom's Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti Macaroni Grill is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please the whole family. With tender, flavorful meatballs, al dente spaghetti, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night at home or a festive dinner party. Try customizing the recipe with your own favorite ingredients and enjoy!